Bolsa do Povo: what it is and how it works

You already know the program People's Purse?

This is a program of the Government of the State of São Paulo that brings together various social benefits, with and without income transfer, to assist people in situations of social vulnerability. 

Continue reading to learn more about this program and enjoy its benefits.

What is the Bolsa do Povo program?

Bolsa do Povo is a crucial initiative of the São Paulo government that aims to address socioeconomic inequalities and promote social inclusion. 

Thus, it was created in 2021 by Law No. 17,372, the program aims to concentrate the management of different initiatives, facilitating the population's access to services.

The program stands out not only for its direct financial support, but also for its comprehensive approach that includes education, professional qualifications and insertion into the job market.

At the heart of the People's Exchange is the belief that a fairer society is built through equal opportunities for all. 

This program, therefore, goes beyond mere welfare; it creates a path to autonomy and empowerment for citizens.

Especially those who have historically been marginalized.

Thus, through a combination of benefits and incentives, this initiative seeks to reduce dependence on welfare policies, promoting a culture of self-sufficiency and personal development.

In short, the diversity of programs included in the People's Exchange is one of its greatest strengths. 

For example, initiatives such as Ação Jovem, Renda Cidadã, and Alimento Solidário exemplify the breadth and depth of the impact this program can have. 

Each subprogram is designed to meet specific needs, ensuring that no age group or demographic is left behind. 

In this way, Bolsa acts as a true engine of social transformation, providing the necessary tools for each individual to build a more promising future.

Who is Bolsa do Povo for?

The program serves a variety of audiences, from families living in poverty to young people seeking opportunities in the job market. 

Each benefit has its own eligibility criteria, which can be found on the program's official website.

How does Bolsa do Povo work?

The Bolsa aims to integrate and expand existing social programs, offering financial support and assistance to families in situations of social vulnerability. 

Below is a summary of how the program works:

Structure and Objectives:

Program Integration: Bolsa do Povo brings together several social programs under a single umbrella.

In short, this makes it easier for citizens to manage and access benefits.

Financial Support: the program provides direct cash transfers to low-income families.

In fact, values may vary depending on the specific program and family situation.

Training and Employment: in addition to financial support, the People's Exchange offers opportunities for professional training and insertion into the job market.

The objective is to promote autonomy and improve the living conditions of beneficiaries.

Social Inclusion: the program aims to reduce social inequality by offering support to vulnerable groups, such as young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, among others.

The program goes beyond emergency income, offering a set of actions and projects in the areas of:

Education, providing assistance to stay in school, professional qualification courses and access to culture.

Good as, distribution of basic food baskets and food assistance for families experiencing food insecurity.

Furthermore, they have the Social Rent, for housing expenses and support for the homeless population.

And in the area of Health, with vaccinations, access to medicines and exams, as well as support for pregnant women and newborns.

Finally, there is also a sports and leisure program for all ages.

Operation:

Selection: candidates are evaluated based on criteria of income, family composition and other conditions of social vulnerability. 

In this way, the selection seeks to prioritize those in greatest need.

Distribution of Benefits: after selection, benefits are distributed monthly through magnetic cards, bank deposits or other forms of direct transfer.

Monitoring and conditionalities: the People's Exchange may require beneficiaries to meet certain conditions.

For example, school attendance of children and adolescents, participation in training courses, among others. 

Compliance with these conditions is monitored periodically.

Partnerships: the program also works in partnership with municipalities, private companies and non-governmental organizations to expand the reach and effectiveness of its actions.

Integrated Programs:

Some of the integrated programs include:

• Citizen Income: financial support for families in extreme poverty;
• Youth Action: financial incentive for young people between 15 and 24 years old who study;
• Work Grant: job opportunities and professional training;
• People's Scholarship Education: support for education professionals and families of public school students.

+ Learn about the Bolsa Trabalho program and who is eligible!

How to register?

Interested families or individuals must register at social assistance centers or through online platforms provided by the São Paulo state government.

Furthermore, registration for Bolsa do Povo is generally done through the Single Registry (CadÚnico), which gathers information on low-income families throughout the country. 

To learn more about how to register and what benefits are available in your region, visit the website of the program People's Exchange.

How does payment work?

Benefits are paid using the program's own card, which can be used like a regular debit card. 

Beneficiaries can withdraw the amount at 24-hour self-service terminals, or at Banco do Brasil, in addition to BB banking correspondents.

Bolsa do Povo: Economic and Social Impact

The economic impact of this program cannot be underestimated.

In times of crisis, income transfer programs are vital for maintaining consumption and aggregate demand.

In this sense, it supports economic activity by injecting resources directly into the hands of those who need them most.

THE Scholarship helps maintain the functioning of local businesses and, consequently, job creation. 

This multiplier effect is essential for economic recovery in periods of recession.

Furthermore, the People's Exchange plays a crucial role in reducing extreme poverty and mitigating social inequalities. 

The income redistribution promoted by the program ensures that more people have access to basic goods and services, such as food, health care, and education.

In short, this not only improves the quality of life of beneficiaries, but also contributes to building a more cohesive and resilient society. 

In the long term, reducing inequalities promotes greater social stability, reducing the incidence of conflicts and social tensions.

Challenges and Future Perspectives

Despite the many benefits, the implementation of People's Exchange is not without its challenges. 

The complexity of managing a program of such magnitude requires efficient coordination between different levels of government and sectors of civil society. 

Therefore, transparency in the distribution of resources and continuous evaluation of results are essential to ensure that the program's objectives are achieved. 

Furthermore, it is crucial to adapt and expand initiatives to respond to changing population needs over time.

Conclusion

Anyway, the People's Exchange aims to reach millions of families.

Providing not only financial assistance, but also opportunities for personal and professional development, contributing to poverty reduction and the promotion of social inclusion in the state of São Paulo.