Over 5,100 People Will be Forced to Return Family Grant Money

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Ministry, in charge of the federal program, expects to recover R$5.8 million (US$1.45 million).

Individuals suspected of fraud in the program were detected through an audit by the CGU (Federal Comptroller General) and a cross-check with the TCU (Federal Court of Auditors).

Former beneficiaries are charged with intentionally providing incorrect information to the Unified Registry for Social Programs or having an income higher than that allowed to benefit from the program.

According to the portfolio, this is the largest collection procedure for reimbursement of government transfers ever made. The first such action was taken in 2018 when R$ 1 million was repaid into the Federal treasury.

Last Wednesday, October 9th, registered return receipt letters, were sent to the identified families, along with a GRU (federal tax form) with the amount that the government estimates should be returned.

Former beneficiaries have up to 30 days to file their defense. If not submitted, they will have the same period to pay.

Failure to pay entails the inclusion of the name in debtors’ records, such as the Register of Defaults in the Federal Public Sector (CADIN ) and in the collection system of the Federal Court of Auditors ( e-TCE ).

With the name on the debtors’ register, families are restricted in lending, financing, opening accounts, and are unable to obtain good standing tax certificates from the Federal authorities.

“This means that their financial lives will be complicated if they don’t rectify their situation,” said Tiago Falcão, the national secretary of Citizenship Income.

Families who settle their debt with the government may be selected to reapply for the benefit after one year, provided they undergo a screening process and comply with the rules for joining the program.

Who is entitled to the Family Grant

The Family Grant is directed toward extremely impoverished families (monthly per capita income of up to R$89) and impoverished families (monthly per capita income of between R$89.01 and R$178).

Beneficiaries are paid monthly and, in return, comply with health and education obligations. Currently, the program serves more than 13.5 million families with approximately R$2.5 billion per month.

Yesterday afternoon there was a ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto to announce the “13th month” bonus payments under the Family Grant.

Source: UOL

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