Keeping records of the Federal Government’s Single Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico) up to date is crucial to ensuring continued access to benefits. Although often associated only with Bolsa Família, CadÚnico represents a comprehensive tool that identifies low-income families, functioning as an indispensable gateway to various public policies that promote social inclusion throughout Brazil.
For the year 2026, constant updating of information in this system is vital, ensuring that users do not lose their right to assistance capable of transforming family financial management. Registration renewal must be carried out every two years, or whenever significant changes occur in the family situation, so that the government can have an accurate overview of the reality of each family and, thus, direct appropriate support efficiently, ensuring that public resources reach those who really need it and based on current data, as reinforced on Tuesday, July 9, 2026.
Understand the fundamental role of CadÚnico for low-income families
The Cadastro Único serves as a detailed record, allowing the federal government to obtain information about who low-income families in Brazil are and how they live. It compiles essential data, such as address, identification of all family members, education level and employment status, becoming the primary instrument for selecting beneficiaries in a wide range of social programs.
Eligibility criteria for registration in the Single Registry
Registration in the Cadastro Único is aimed at families and individuals who meet specific income requirements, including people who live alone or are homeless. You can register:
- Families with a monthly income per person that does not exceed half the minimum wage (equivalent to R$810.50 in 2026).
- Families whose total monthly family income does not exceed three minimum wages (which corresponds to R$4,863 in 2026).
Seven additional social programs guaranteed by CadÚnico
With an active and properly updated registration, a universe of opportunities opens up that go far beyond the well-known income transfer program. Discover seven other important benefits accessible to those registered with CadÚnico:
- Social Electricity Tariff:Offers total exemption on electricity bills (100% discount) for consumption of up to 80 kWh/month for families with per capita income of up to half the minimum wage. Families with income between half and one minimum wage per person receive an additional discount of approximately 11.8% for consumption of up to 120 kWh/month. This benefit is automatically granted to those who meet the criteria and keep CadÚnico updated.
- Continuous Payment Benefit (BPC):It guarantees the payment of a minimum wage per month for elderly people aged 65 or over and for people with disabilities of any age who demonstrate an inability to provide for themselves or have it provided by their family.
- Young ID:The Youth Identity is a document that provides people aged 15 to 29 with access to benefits such as half-price tickets to cultural, artistic and sporting events, as well as free or discounted tickets on interstate public transport.
- Exemption from fees in public tenders:Citizens registered with CadÚnico can request exemption from paying the registration fee for selection processes and federal public competitions, in addition to some state and municipal competitions.
- My Home, My Life Program:Families with active registration in CadÚnico receive priority and easier conditions for financing properties through the federal government’s housing program.
- Elderly Person’s Card:Individuals aged 60 or over and with an individual income of up to two minimum wages can request this card, which guarantees free or a reduction of at least 50% on interstate transport fares.
- People’s Gas:This program, which replaced the old Auxílio Gás dos Brasileiros, offers a free refill voucher for purchasing a 13-kilo cylinder. Families made up of 2 to 3 people are entitled to 4 annual top-ups (one every three months); Families with 4 or more members receive 6 top-ups per year (one every two months).
