Learn all about the Gas Allowance and find out if you are entitled to claim this benefit!
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O Gas Aid (Vale Gás) is a Brazilian government benefit aimed at helping families in situations of social vulnerability to guarantee access to cooking gas.
This programme was created to help the low-income population cope with the constant increase in the price of cooking gas, an essential item in Brazilian homes.
The rise in the price of fuel and oil derivatives has a direct impact on families, especially the poorest, who find it difficult to afford them.
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With this in mind, the federal government created the Gas Aid, which grants a specific amount for the purchase of a 13kg gas canister in an attempt to ease the budget of beneficiary families.
Like other welfare programmes, the Gas Aid is regulated and has eligibility criteria that families must meet in order to access the benefit.
This programme is managed exclusively by the federal government, with payments made through Caixa Econômica Federal, and relies on the support of municipalities in updating family registers through the Social Assistance Reference Centres (CRAS).
Interested families must fulfil certain requirements, such as being registered with the Unified Registry (CadÚnico) and meeting specific income criteria defined by the government.
Read on to find out all the details about Gas Aid and make sure you or someone you know can access this important benefit!
Main points:
- How the Gas Aid works
- When the benefit is paid and how much
- Who is entitled to the benefit
- How to register and apply
Quick Index:
What is Gas Aid?
Auxílio Gás is a social programme run by the Brazilian government to offer financial support for the purchase of cooking gas.
This benefit was introduced to reduce the impact of the high cost of gas on the most vulnerable families, who represent a significant portion of the population.
The programme offers a specific amount for the purchase of a 13 kg gas cylinder, with payment made every two months.
The amount offered is determined by the federal government and currently covers the full value of the average price of the cylinder, according to a survey by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP).
This aid is essential for millions of Brazilians who, without it, would struggle to prepare meals at home.
How does the aid work?
Gas Aid works by means of bimonthly transfers to eligible families.
The amount of the benefit is deposited into specific accounts for the beneficiaries, usually through Caixa Econômica Federal, the bank responsible for administering various government social benefits.
The amount corresponds to the full national average price of a 13kg gas cylinder, as calculated by the ANP.
Deposits are made according to the Bolsa Família calendar, and withdrawals can be made directly at bank branches, ATMs and partner establishments such as lottery shops.
Below is a summary of how the Gas Aid works:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | Full price for a 13kg cylinder |
| Payment frequency | Bimonthly |
| Place of receipt | Caixa Econômica Federal and partner establishments |
| Eligibility criteria | CadÚnico enrolment and specific per capita income |
| Objective | Supporting low-income families with the purchase of gas |
Who is entitled?
The Gas Aid is intended for families in a situation of social vulnerability, and in order to qualify for the benefit you need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria established by the government. These criteria include:
- Registration in the Single Registry (CadÚnico)CadÚnico is a system that registers the socio-economic information of low-income families in order to enable them to take part in assistance programmes.
- Per capita family incomeBeneficiary families must have a per capita income of up to half the national minimum wage.
- BPC beneficiariesFamilies with members receiving the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) are also entitled to the Gas Aid.
These criteria are important to ensure that the aid reaches the families most in need of financial support to buy cooking gas.
It is important to emphasise that being registered with CadÚnico does not automatically guarantee the benefit, as the selection is made according to social conditions and the availability of resources.
How is the Gas Allowance calculated?
The Gas Aid is calculated on the basis of the national average price of a 13kg canister of cooking gas, according to an ANP survey.
Every two months, the government determines the value of the benefit using ANP market data to ensure that the aid covers the full value of the gas cylinder.
This comprehensive coverage is important to offer significant financial help to vulnerable families, alleviating the impact of the rising cost of cooking gas.
This calculation is adjusted periodically to reflect variations in the market and ensure that the value is proportional to economic conditions.
Example calculation
Suppose that, in a specific two-month period, the ANP reports that the national average price for a 13kg canister is R$ 110.00.
In this case, the value of the Gas Aid for the period will be R$ 110.00, fully covering the average cost of the cylinder for eligible families.
If in the following two months the average price of a cylinder rises to R$ 115.00, the benefit amount will be automatically updated to R$ 115.00.
Similarly, if the average price of the cylinder decreases to R$ 105.00, the value of the aid will be adjusted to R$ 105.00.
This example illustrates how the government uses ANP data to adjust the value of the benefit, ensuring that it keeps up with variations in the price of cooking gas and continues to meet the needs of beneficiary families.
Advantages
The Gas Aid brings several advantages to Brazilian families in situations of vulnerability, including:
✔️Full coverage of the price of cooking gas: The benefit allows families to buy a 13kg canister without compromising their budget.
✔️Greater food security: By making it possible to prepare meals at home, the aid contributes to the food security of the beneficiary families.
✔️Long-term support: As an ongoing programme, Gas Aid provides regular assistance with access to gas, helping families to plan their finances.
In addition to these advantages, the programme strengthens social assistance policy in Brazil, reinforcing the support network for low-income families.
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Continue reading →How to apply for Gas Aid?
In order to receive Gas Aid, it is not necessary to make a specific direct application to the programme, as families are automatically selected on the basis of eligibility criteria.
However, it is essential that families follow a few steps to ensure that their data is correct and up-to-date in the Single Registry (CadÚnico), which is essential for the government to identify who is entitled to the benefit. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting organised and ensuring you receive the aid:
Step by step to apply for Gas Aid:
- Check your enrolment in the Cadastro Único (Single Registry):
- The first step to being considered for Gas Aid is to be registered with the Federal Government's Single Registry for Social Programmes (CadÚnico), a system that identifies low-income families in Brazil.
- If you haven't yet registered, you should go to the Social Assistance Reference Centre (CRAS) closest to your home. Bring identification documents for family members to register.
- Update your CadÚnico data:
- If you are already registered with CadÚnico, it is important to ensure that your information is up to date. It is recommended that you update your registration at least every two years or whenever there are any significant changes, such as a change of address, number of family members or employment situation.
- The update can also be done at CRAS or another CadÚnico service centre in your municipality.
- Meet the Income Criteria:
- The programme is aimed at vulnerable families with a per capita family income of up to half the minimum wage. In addition, families who have a member benefiting from the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) are also included in the target public.
- When registering or updating your data with CadÚnico, make sure that your income information is correct to ensure the correct analysis.
- Track Selection and Payment:
- Families are selected automatically by the system, taking into account the income and vulnerability criteria established by the government. There is no need to make an additional formal application for Gas Aid.
- To check if your family has been selected for the benefit, you can access the application Box Has or the official government website (gov.br), where there is up-to-date information on the beneficiaries and the payment schedule, which follows the Bolsa Família chronogram.
- Get paid:
- The Gas Aid is paid bimonthly and the amount is deposited directly into a Caixa Econômica Federal account, following the same schedule as the Bolsa Família. Withdrawals can be made at Caixa branches, ATMs, lottery shops and other authorised establishments.
- To cash out, you can use the Bolsa Família Card or the application Box Hasif you prefer to make your withdrawal digitally.
You will be redirected to another site.
Other information
Families that meet the eligibility criteria and are duly registered with CadÚnico are automatically considered for Gas Aid, without the need for a direct application.
To guarantee access to the benefit, it is essential to keep your data up to date in the CadÚnico and follow the official guidelines.
The Gas Allowance undergoes frequent adjustments, with possible changes to the amounts, payment dates and eligibility criteria, depending on the federal government's decisions.
In addition, the value of the benefit can vary according to the economic scenario and fuel price policy, and the government can revise the eligibility rules to broaden the scope of the programme, adapting it to social needs.
Important! Follow the updates through the official channels, especially on the portal gov.br.
Programme overview
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Programme name | Gas Aid |
| Objective | Supporting the purchase of cooking gas for vulnerable families |
| Benefit amount | Full price for a 13kg cylinder |
| Payment frequency | Bimonthly |
| Target audience | Families registered with CadÚnico and/or beneficiaries of BPC |
| Place of receipt | Caixa Econômica Federal, lottery shops and partners |
| Enrolment | CadÚnico (held at CRAS) |
| Official website | gov.br |
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Continue reading →Frequently asked questions
How can I apply for Gas Aid?
To take part in the programme, you need to be registered with the Unified Registry. Registration must be done at the municipality's CRAS centre.
How much is the Gas Allowance?
The amount corresponds to the average full price of a 13kg gas cylinder, according to an ANP survey.
Who can receive Gas Aid?
Families registered with CadÚnico with a per capita income of up to half the minimum wage and BPC beneficiaries are entitled to the aid.
Is the benefit paid monthly?
No. The Gas Allowance is paid bimonthly, every two months.
Where can I withdraw my benefit?
The benefit can be withdrawn at Caixa Econômica Federal, lottery shops and partner establishments.
Do I need to reapply for the benefit with each payment?
No. Once the family is identified as eligible, the benefit is automatically deposited each period.
