Cadastro Único: Understand the Importance of Keeping Your Data Updated

Attention on updating the Cadastro Único for social programs (CadÚnico) gained prominence after a community drive was held in São José do Rio Preto. The initiative, promoted by the Municipal Department of Social Development, aimed to facilitate the regularization of families' data and, thus, prevent the interruption of essential benefits.

Why the Cadastro Único update is in the spotlight

The Municipal Department of Social Development of São José do Rio Preto held a Cadastro Único community drive at the Núcleo da Esperança – Alvorada. The action was motivated by the need to prevent the blocking, suspension, or cancellation of benefits for families who have not updated their information in over 24 months. This registration review is carried out annually, and the lack of updates can cause issues with the continuity of social programs.

What Cadastro Único is and its importance

Cadastro Único is a fundamental tool for identifying and characterizing low-income families in Brazil. It serves as a reference for accessing a wide network of welfare and social benefits. Keeping information correct and updated in CadÚnico is essential, as it is the first step for families to access most programs. The update must be done at the Social Assistance Reference Center (Cras) of the municipality.

Social benefits accessible through CadÚnico

A series of social programs are linked to registration and updates in CadÚnico. For low-income families, some of the benefits include the Tarifa Social de Energia (Social Electricity Tariff), which offers discounts directly on electricity bills. There is also the Seguro Defeso (Seasonal Unemployment Benefit), for artisanal fishers, and the Garantia-Safra (Harvest Guarantee), for family farmers affected by severe weather. Other programs such as Bolsa Verde, Bolsa Atleta, Pé-de-Meia, ProUni, and FIES also use Cadastro Único as an eligibility criterion.

Specific rights for low-income seniors

Low-income seniors have access to important benefits through CadÚnico. Among them is the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC - Continuous Provision Benefit), even for those who have never contributed to Social Security. The Carteira da Pessoa Idosa (Elderly Person's Card) is another relevant document, facilitating proof of income to access free or discounted interstate transportation benefits. People aged 60 or older are also entitled to half-price admission to cultural, sporting, and leisure events, and from age 65, free public urban and semi-urban transit, according to local rules.

How to check and update your data

Checking registration status and eligibility for programs can be done through the CadÚnico app or the Meu INSS portal. To regularize or update data, residents should contact the Cras responsible for the region where they live. The guidance is to check the registration status and arrange for the update as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in benefits.

With information from A Crítica, SpaceMoney, DOL.