Lula Raises Bolsa Familia Benefits 15% Ahead of Election

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government will raise the minimum monthly Bolsa Família benefit by 15%, from 600 reais to 691 reais, beginning next month. Officials said the increase offsets inflation accumulated since 2023 and will be financed within existing budget allocations. The cash-transfer program, which supports low-income families in exchange for school attendance and health requirements, has been credited with reducing poverty, inequality and infant mortality. The announcement comes weeks before Brazil’s October presidential election, in which Lula is running neck-and-neck with right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.