Income limit for access to BPC increases after National Congress overturns Bolsonaro’s veto
In a joint session this Wednesday (11), the National Congress overrode President Jair Bolsonaro's veto of a bill that increases the income limit to obtain the Continuous Provision Benefit (BPC).
With this change, seniors over 65 and people with disabilities with a per capita family income of less than half a minimum wage – R$ 519.50, at the current salary, will be entitled to the benefit. The limit is currently one quarter salary, or R$ 259.75 per family member.
With the overthrow of the veto, the sections will be restored and enacted by Congress. The theme will not return to the table of President Jair Bolsonaro. If the government wants to challenge the change, it will have to go to court.
More people will be entitled to benefit and according to the Ministry of Economy, the effect on public quotas will be around R$ 20 billion per year. And it will reach around R$ 23.3 billion in 2029.
Among the deputies, there were 302 votes to 137 for the overthrow. And among senators, the veto was overturned by 45 votes to 14.
To be entitled to the BPC, elderly or people with disabilities need to prove that they do not have their own means of supporting themselves, nor do they have help from a family member. The benefit in the amount of one minimum wage (currently R$ 1,045) is paid monthly.
President's veto
Upon receiving the document approved by Congress, Bolsonaro decided to veto the proposal in its entirety. According to him, the text did not indicate the origin of the money to cover the new expenses.
Maia tries to agree
Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ), president of the Chamber, said he had spoken with party leaders in order to try to maintain the presidential veto.
In an evaluation made by the parliamentarian, the overthrow of the veto "more hinders than helps". And it has budgetary consequences for the current year and for years to come.
“The impact is huge. At a difficult time, at a time when the Brazilian economy is already starting to show signs that it will not grow (…) with great nervousness on the part of economic actors. I think it was a wrong signal”, said Maia.
“It is clear that everyone wants to improve the value of BPC, Bolsa Família, improve social investments in Brazil. Now, the budget is just a budget. So, when you make the decision to create an expense on one side, you have to understand that you can even run the risk of having a smaller space to get more resources to face the coronavirus”, concluded the president of the Chamber .
