Gas Allowance of R$ 51 is released; see calendar and who is entitled

Caixa Econômica Federal begins to pay, this Thursday (14), the Gas Aid to 5.39 million families that are entitled to the benefit, totaling R$ 275 million. The amount released this April is R$51. In December, it was R$50 and in February, R$51.

The gas voucher is paid every two months, according to the Auxílio Brasil calendar, which is also deposited on this Thursday. The Gas Aid is defined according to the average national reference price of a 13-kilogram cylinder of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) in the last six months, based on a survey by the ANP (National Agency for Gas, Oil and Biofuels).

The money falls into the account of the beneficiary families according to the end of the NIS (Social Identification Number). Withdrawals can be made with a social card, through the Caixa Tem app, for those who have Caixa’s digital social savings account, or through the easy savings account that the bank opens on behalf of the citizen.

See Auxílio Gás and Auxílio Brasil payment schedules

Who is entitled to receive the Gas Aid

Families enrolled in CadÚnico with monthly family income per capita (per family member) less than or equal to half a minimum wage (R$ 606 this year) are entitled to the benefit. Families with members in the BPC (Continued Provision Benefit) will also benefit. The amount received from Auxílio Brasil will not count in the analysis of the family income criterion.

Women heads of households have priority to receive the benefit, as well as women victims of violence. For this, an agreement was signed with the CNJ (National Council of Justice).

How to consult the Gas Aid by CPF

​According to Caixa, citizens who believe they are entitled to a gas voucher can make the query through the Auxílio Brasil and Caixa Tem apps, with a CPF number and password. Those who don’t have the app can download it from their cell phone store. If you already have the app, update it if necessary.

It is also possible to find out the amount by calling Customer Service at 111. To do so, enter your CPF or NIS number as soon as the call is answered. Choose the option according to the consultation number you will use: CPF or NIS.

How is the payment of the gas voucher

The money falls into the account opened by Caixa on behalf of the citizen. It is possible to receive through Caixa Tem, digital social savings, Caixa Fácil savings and the social benefit card. Those who receive through Caixa Tem can pay bills and make in-app purchases.

It is also possible to transfer money from Caixa Tem to other accounts. The worker can also withdraw the gas voucher. For this, you need to generate a password. Whoever has Caixa Fácil savings receives a card for moving and withdraws the amounts with it. You can also shop and pay by direct debit.

benefit is not enough

In the assessment of representatives of gas distributors and specialists, the benefit paid by the federal government has not been enough for families to pay for gas. The reason is the high value of the cylinder throughout the country. In the capital of São Paulo, for example, data from distributors are that the cylinder reaches R$ 150 and many consumers even pay in installments on their credit card.

Also, the money is not earmarked for gas. As it falls into the account together with Auxílio Brasil, the amounts end up being destined for the purchase of food, causing the Brazilian to continue without buying the cylinder and take the risk of cooking with firewood or sharing the gas with other people.

A study by the consultancy Kantar shows that the poorest spend 22% of their budget for basic services on gas. The percentage of income commitment rose between 2020 and 2021.

According to the Ministry of Citizenship, the Northeast region has the largest number of citizens served by Auxílio Gás, with 2.68 million beneficiaries and an investment of R$ 137 million. Next is the Southeast, with 1.69 million beneficiaries and a transfer of R$ 86.3 million.

The North is home to 528,000 families, totaling R$ 26.9 million in payments in April. In the South, 324.8 thousand families receive R$ 16.5 million, while in the Center-West another 160.3 thousand families receive R$ 8.1 million.

Aid Brazil pays BRL 400 from this Thursday

Beneficiaries of Auxílio Brasil also receive the benefit from this Thursday (14). The amount of R$400 is the minimum guaranteed by the government until the end of 2022, the election year, in which President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) plans to run for reelection.

As the program adds incentives such as research and sports scholarships, some families may receive more. According to the Ministry of Citizenship, Auxílio Brasil paid an average benefit of R$409 in February to 18 million families, at a total cost of R$7.2 billion.