Auxílio Gás is a social program designed to help low-income families in Brazil afford cooking gas. It provides financial assistance every two months to support the purchase of a 13kg gas cylinder.
The program is part of the government’s strategy to reduce the impact of inflation on vulnerable groups. This guide explains everything you need to know about the benefit.
What Is the Auxílio Gás Program?
Auxílio Gás offers financial support to help pay for household cooking gas. The program is aimed at families with low income and limited resources.
It is coordinated by the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance. The federal bank CAIXA is in charge of distributing the payments.
The amount is credited every two months following the Bolsa Família payment schedule. Families do not need to apply repeatedly once they are eligible.
The goal is to reduce cooking costs and protect basic household needs. Payments are automatic after the Ministry confirms your eligibility.
Who Can Receive the Benefit?
The program targets households registered in CadÚnico, Brazil’s national social registry. To qualify, the family must have a monthly income of half the minimum wage per person or less.
Families receiving continuous social assistance can also qualify. The benefit is intended to reach the most financially vulnerable groups.
Families with women under protective orders for domestic violence have priority access. Being part of another aid program, like Bolsa Família, also increases the chance of selection.
All selections are based on the database provided by the city hall. The Ministry reviews this information every two months.
Eligibility Criteria in Detail
To clarify who qualifies, the government applies several filters. These conditions are evaluated during the selection process.
- Families must have updated their CadÚnico registration within the last 24 months.
- Households with lower income per person are prioritized.
- Larger families are more likely to be selected.
- Receiving Bolsa Família increases eligibility.
- Families flagged by social services as vulnerable are also considered.
Does CadÚnico Registration Guarantee the Benefit?
Being registered in CadÚnico is a requirement but not a guarantee. The system uses the registration to assess who qualifies.
However, due to budget limits, not all eligible families will be selected. The government updates the list every two months.
The selection follows the official prioritization criteria. Those in more urgent need are placed higher on the list.
Staying updated is the best way to maintain eligibility. Automatic review means you do not need to request manual approval.
How Families Are Selected?
The Ministry of Development and Social Assistance selects eligible families using CadÚnico data. This data is managed by municipalities and must be current.
The system automatically filters for families in priority conditions. No one needs to apply again each cycle.
Families are chosen every two months based on the latest updates. If your household has been flagged as high priority, your chance increases.
Missing or outdated data can exclude you from the selection. Regular updates to CadÚnico are essential.
How to Know If You Were Selected?
You can check your benefit status through digital channels. These tools make it simple to confirm your inclusion.
- Use the Bolsa Família app or Caixa Tem app.
- Call CAIXA at 111 for automated updates.
- For detailed questions, call the Ministry at 121.
- Make sure your CPF or NIS number is ready when checking.
How Much Is the Gas Allowance?
The value of the benefit is 50% of the average national price of a 13kg LPG cylinder. This price is calculated from the last six months.
The National Petroleum Agency (ANP) publishes this average monthly. The government uses it as a reference for all payments.
If the average price changes, the benefit value adjusts accordingly. During certain periods, Congress may approve full payment coverage.
In 2022, Constitutional Amendment No. 123 allowed the full amount to be paid. This applied only from July to December of that year.
Payment Frequency and Schedule
Gas Aid is paid once every two months. The payment calendar aligns with the Bolsa Família schedule.
This helps families plan their budgets with predictability. The first payment was released on December 27, 2021.
To know your payment date, consult the Bolsa Família calendar. Payment dates vary depending on your NIS number.
CAIXA is responsible for ensuring punctual disbursement. Staying informed helps prevent missing an installment.
How Is the Benefit Paid?
Once selected, your benefit will be credited through CAIXA. The bank uses the same channels as other social programs. You must have a linked account or valid registration.
Funds may be sent to one of the following:
- Digital Social Savings account (via Caixa Tem)
- CAIXA Fácil savings account
- Social account linked to your social card
How to Withdraw Using the Social Card?
With your social card, withdrawing funds is easy. Use CAIXA self-service machines, lottery agencies, or CAIXA Aqui branches.
Always bring an ID when making withdrawals. Digital payments are prioritized, but cash access is available.
Some agencies may require your CPF and social security number. Use your card at terminals like any debit transaction.
If your card is lost or expired, go to a CAIXA branch for support. Withdrawals do not incur any fees.
Do You Need to Reapply Every Time?
You don’t need to reapply for each payment. The Ministry re-evaluates all eligible families every two months.
As long as your CadÚnico is updated, you’re in the system. Eligibility depends on current data.
Reapplying manually may be required if your data expired. Always confirm your last update with CRAS or local authorities.
If you haven’t received benefits in months, check your registration. Keeping your family’s info current is your responsibility.
Important Legislation Behind the Program
Several laws govern Auxílio Gás and guarantee its operation. These legal instruments define who gets access, how payments are made, and under what rules.
- Law No. 14,237 (2021): Created the program.
- Decree No. 10,881 (2021): Regulates operations.
- Provisional Measure No. 1,155 (2023): Adjusted financial provisions.
- Law No. 14,601 (2023): Confirmed long-term continuity.
- Constitutional Amendment No. 123/2022: Allowed full payments during emergencies.
What to Do If You Weren’t Selected?
If you believe you qualify but weren’t selected, take a few steps. Most issues come from outdated or incomplete data. Visit your local CRAS center for help. Bring identification and proof of income.
You can also contact your city hall to verify your CadÚnico information. Ask if your last update was within 24 months.
Request a full review of your household record. Ask about local assistance programs if you’re still not eligible.
Tips to Ensure Eligibility
Follow these tips to improve your chances of getting Gas Aid. These actions help keep your information valid and visible in the system.
- Update CadÚnico every time there is a change in your household.
- Declare accurate income for every family member.
- Confirm your address and contact details.
- Check with CRAS if any pending documents exist.
- Ask for confirmation of eligibility when updating your file.
Common Questions About Auxílio Gás
People often ask whether Gas Aid is compatible with other programs. Yes, you can receive both Auxílio Gás and Bolsa Família.
But only one benefit per household is allowed. Also, selection happens automatically, not by request.
Some wonder how long they will receive payments. The benefit is active as long as the program exists and the family meets requirements.
If your family moves, notify your local CRAS immediately. Misleading or false data can result in exclusion.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Keep Your Registration Updated
Auxílio Gás plays a key role in helping families deal with rising gas costs. To qualify, you must stay up-to-date in CadÚnico and meet income limits.
The government evaluates eligibility every two months. Staying informed ensures you don’t miss your benefit.
