13 Brazilian states have more Bolsa Família beneficiaries than formal workers

In 13 Brazilian states, the number of beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program surpasses that of formal workers, highlighting a significant social disparity in the country. A recent survey confirms the majority of these states are concentrated in the North and Northeast regions of the country, with some, like Maranhão and Piauí, having two beneficiaries for every formal worker.

According to recent data, until last year there were 12 states with more program beneficiaries than employed workers with formal contracts. However, in 2022, Rio Grande do Norte was added to the list. Covid-19 has exacerbated the situation, with the drastic increase in program beneficiaries during the Bolsonaro government’s tenure, rising from 14.5 million to 21.6 million recipients, including three million added before the 2022 presidential elections.

Before the pandemic, eight states had more beneficiaries than formal workers. This number increased to ten in 2020, 12 in 2022, and now 13. Despite President Bolsonaro criticizing the program during his previous presidential campaign in 2018, the number of beneficiaries increased by 49% during his government, compared to the earlier government.

The following 13 states have more Bolsa Família beneficiaries than formal workers: Acre, Amazonas, Pará, Amapá, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, and Paraíba.

The Brazilian government has initiated a review of beneficiaries in April to halt those who should no longer receive the program. The government is focusing on families that entered the program shortly before the elections and single-person households. To achieve this, the new Bolsa Família program MP (provisional measure) has two new rules: protection and guaranteed return.

The protection rule ensures that if the family of a beneficiary’s per capita income increases by up to half a minimum wage (which would exclude them from the program based on their income), they will still receive half the original benefit for up to 24 months. This rule will not take effect until June 2023.

The guaranteed return rule aims to encourage program beneficiaries to secure formal employment. If a beneficiary secures a job but loses their eligibility for the program based on their income, they will be excluded. However, if they are fired, they can immediately return to the program. This measure aims to reduce the disparity between program beneficiaries and formal workers while promoting employment opportunities.

The Brazilian government is working to reduce social disparities through various programs, including Bolsa Família. The program has been instrumental in reducing poverty and inequality over the years, with its beneficiaries being some of the most vulnerable members of Brazilian society, including the elderly and children. However, new measures must be implemented to address Brazil’s ongoing social disparities and ensure that the country’s most vulnerable populations are supported adequately.