The Pé-de-Meia Program provides financial support to public high school students across Brazil.
This benefit helps low-income families keep their children in school through monthly incentives.
It is part of a broader national strategy to reduce school dropout and support youth development. Here’s how you can qualify and access this important program.
What Is Pé-de-Meia?
Pé-de-Meia is a government initiative created by Law No. 14,818, enacted on January 16, 2024. It provides financial incentives for students enrolled in public high schools to encourage academic continuity.
The goal is to reduce dropout rates and increase participation in national and subnational exams. CAIXA is responsible for creating accounts and crediting the payments.
The program is designed to ease financial pressure on low-income students. Students receive benefits directly in digital accounts, making the process simpler and more secure.
There is no manual registration process. Selection is automatic, based on the Ministry of Education’s database.
Who Can Join the Program?
To access Pé-de-Meia benefits, students must meet specific eligibility conditions. These ensure that only those who truly need the financial aid are covered by the program.
- Be between 14 and 24 years old and enrolled in a regular public high school or EJA (Youth and Adult Education).
- Belong to a family listed in the CadÚnico (Federal Single Registry) with per capita income up to half the minimum wage.
- Have an active CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry).
- Maintain a minimum school attendance of 80% per month.
How to Participate?
You don’t need to apply manually to join Pé-de-Meia. If you’re eligible, the Ministry of Education will automatically include you in the program.
The only requirements are to be enrolled in a public high school by April 2024, possess a valid CPF, and be in the Bolsa Família registry. CAIXA will create a digital savings account in your name.
Students under 18 need their legal guardian to authorize transactions in the CAIXA Tem app. If the guardian is not the student’s parent, the process must be done at a CAIXA branch.
The account type should be a Digital Social Savings or CAIXA Tem Savings. If you already have a valid CAIXA Tem account, there’s no need to open a new one.
Step-by-Step to Start Receiving the Benefit
To ensure you’re eligible and receive your payment, follow these key steps. This process ensures your information is up to date.
- Enroll in public high school or EJA before April 2024.
- Verify your family is properly registered in the CadÚnico.
- Make sure your CPF is active and valid.
- Wait for MEC confirmation. If you’re selected, CAIXA will open your digital account.
- Use the CAIXA Tem app to access your account and check your balance.
Types of Financial Incentives Offered
The program includes three types of incentives. These aim to support school enrollment, monthly attendance, and high school completion.
Enrollment Incentive
This is a yearly amount of R$200. You get it once per school year after confirming your enrollment. It helps cover the beginning-of-year costs. The amount is paid into your digital account.
Attendance Incentive
This is a monthly reward for maintaining at least 80% school attendance. The total yearly amount is R$1,800, divided into nine R$200 payments.
In 2024, only eight installments will be made. You need to stay enrolled and maintain attendance to keep receiving this.
Completion Incentive
You get R$1,000 per academic year after passing to the next year. It’s deposited annually but locked until you finish high school.
The total possible amount is R$3,000 over three years. This reward supports long-term academic commitment.
2025 Payment Calendar
Understanding when the benefits are paid helps you plan ahead. The calendar is split between enrollment and attendance payments.
- Enrollment Incentive for Regular High School: March 31 to April 7, 2025
- EJA 1st Semester: March 31 to April 7, 2025
- EJA 2nd Semester: August 25 to September 1, 2025
Attendance payments follow your birth month. CAIXA will release a full schedule so you can track your payment dates.
How Are Payments Made?
Your incentive money is deposited into a digital CAIXA account. This account must be in your name and of the correct type.
You can use the CAIXA Tem app to view your balance, make withdrawals, or use the virtual debit card. Only the Completion Incentive is locked until you finish all three years of high school.
If your account is inactive, you might not receive the payment. Students and guardians must regularly check the account status.
Having the correct app installed is also necessary. Keep your personal data updated to avoid delays.
Guardian Responsibilities for Students Under 18
Students younger than 18 require legal authorization for account use. Guardians must approve access through the CAIXA Tem app or at a CAIXA branch.
If the guardian is the student’s parent, the process is simpler and done online. If not, it must be completed in person at the bank.
The guardian must provide valid documentation. This includes the student’s CPF and proof of enrollment.
These steps ensure the funds are used appropriately. It also protects minors’ financial rights.
How to Monitor Your Status and Payments?
Several tools are available to help you track your participation in Pé-de-Meia. These allow you to verify whether you’ve been selected and check your payment dates.
- CAIXA Tem App: The main platform for accessing accounts and funds.
- Student Journey App (Jornada do Estudante): Useful for tracking school progress and program inclusion.
- CAIXA Social Benefits App: Gives updates on your benefit history.
- Citizen Portal
- MEC Call Center: Dial 0800 616161 for information.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong?
Issues may occur during the program. You must know how to act fast if something goes wrong.
- If your CPF is invalid or not recognized, visit a Receita Federal branch.
- If your name isn’t listed in the program, ask your school to confirm your enrollment with MEC.
- If your account wasn’t opened or remains inactive, go to CAIXA for verification.
- For missing or delayed payments, check your app and contact CAIXA support.
Comparison with Other Government Programs
Pé-de-Meia is different from other aid programs. It focuses only on students and education. It is also conditional, based on your school attendance and performance.
- Bolsa Família: Family-based income support for essential needs.
- ID Jovem: Offers transport and cultural discounts to youth.
- Auxílio Brasil (replaced): A broader social support program.
Pé-de-Meia complements these by directly rewarding educational dedication. It supports your personal development. It also aims to promote better test scores and future opportunities.
Educational Impact and Long-Term Goals
The program seeks to reduce school dropouts across Brazil. It provides extra motivation for students to complete their studies.
Supporting monthly attendance and final year completion promotes consistent academic progress.
Students in low-income families now have a reason to stay enrolled. It aligns with national education goals like ENEM participation.
Over time, it may help improve national literacy and test performance. The incentive helps create a more equitable education system.
Final Thoughts: Claim Your Right to Finish High School
Pé-de-Meia provides a genuine financial incentive to stay in school and graduate. You don’t need to apply, but you must meet the requirements and keep your information updated.
If you qualify, you’ll receive up to R$5,600 during your high school years. Stay enrolled, check your account regularly, and don’t miss this opportunity to secure your academic future.
