The Pé de Meia program offers monthly financial support to public high school students across Brazil.
It aims to reduce dropout rates and help low-income families keep their children enrolled through all three years of high school.
This article outlines the program’s main benefits and how eligible students in Brazil can access them.
Main Benefits for High School Students
The Pé de Meia program provides financial assistance to help students stay in school.
Each benefit is contingent upon attendance, academic progress, and graduation.
- Monthly Allowance: Students receive R$200 per month during the school year to assist with their daily expenses.
- Annual Performance Bonus: Those who complete the school year with good attendance get an extra R$1,000 per year.
- Graduation Completion Bonus: After finishing high school, students receive a final bonus of R$1,000.
- Financial Education Support: Students learn to manage money through a digital savings account in Caixa Tem.
- Dropout Prevention: Regular payments give students a reason to stay in school.
Who Can Receive Pé de Meia?
The Pé de Meia program targets public high school students in Brazil who need support to stay in school.
It focuses on low-income families. To qualify, students must meet specific criteria related to enrollment, family status, and school performance.
- Be a High School Student: You must be enrolled in a public Ensino Médio (grades 1–3 of high school) in Brazil.
- Be Within the Eligible Age Range: Typically, applicants are aged 14 to 24 years.
- Come From a Low-income Household: Your family must be registered in CadÚnico (Brazil’s official low-income database).
- Maintain School Attendance and Performance: You must meet the required minimum attendance and show academic progress each school year.
- Not Receiving Similar Federal Education Benefits: You can’t already receive another federal grant that overlaps with Pé de Meia.
How to Apply for Pé de Meia
Applying for the benefit is simple because the process is automatic for those who meet the requirements.
Still, it’s essential to follow a few key steps to ensure everything is up to date.
Families and students need to confirm their registration and school information.
- Step 1: Be Enrolled in a Public High School
Make sure you're officially registered in a public Ensino Médio institution in Brazil.
- Step 2: Have an Updated CadÚnico Record
Your family must be listed and up to date in the Cadastro Único system.
- Step 3: Stay in Contact With Your School
Schools send student data to the Ministry of Education. Always verify that your information has been correctly submitted.
- Step 4: Activate or Use Caixa Tem
The benefit is deposited in a digital savings account via the Caixa Tem app. Set up the app and access your account using your CPF.
- Step 5: Keep Meeting Program Conditions
Maintain good attendance and finish each school year to keep receiving the full amount.
How Payments Are Made
Understanding how money is delivered helps students and families plan more effectively.
The funds are sent through a government-managed system using a digital account. Each part of the benefit has its schedule and rules.
- Deposits Go to Caixa Tem
All payments are made through a digital savings account in the Caixa Tem app, linked to the student’s CPF.
- Monthly Transfers During the School Year
Students receive R$200 per month while actively attending classes and meeting attendance requirements.
- Annual Bonus at Year-End
After completing each school year, an extra R$1,000 is deposited if conditions are met.
- Final Bonus After Graduation
A graduation incentive of R$1,000 is transferred once the student finishes the third year.
- Some Funds May Be Restricted
Specific amounts may be locked for savings and only accessed after graduation.
Monitoring Your Pé de Meia Benefit
Keeping track of your payments is essential to ensure everything is working as expected.
There are simple ways to check your account, confirm deposits, and resolve any issues that may arise.
- Use the Caixa Tem App: Log in with your CPF to see account activity, payment dates, and available balances.
- Check for Notifications: The app may send alerts when a new deposit is made or when there’s an issue with your account.
- Track School Performance: Ensure you meet attendance and academic requirements to remain eligible.
- Confirm School Data Submission: Your school sends your data to the Ministry. Ask staff if any payment is missing.
- Visit CRAS if Needed: If your CadÚnico information is outdated or incorrect, go to your local CRAS office to update it.
- Keep Your CPF and Login Details Safe: You’ll need your CPF to access Caixa Tem. Store your login securely to avoid problems accessing your account.
Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring students receive and maintain their benefits.
Their support helps maintain eligibility and avoid payment issues.
- Keep CadÚnico Updated: Visit your local CRAS regularly to update family data, income, and school details.
- Support Regular School Attendance: Encourage your child to attend classes every day, as absences can impact their financial aid eligibility.
- Monitor Academic Progress: Stay involved in your child’s studies to help them meet performance requirements.
- Check Communication from Schools: Read messages or notes from the school about program updates or issues.
- Help Set Up Caixa Tem: Assist your child in accessing the app and keeping login information safe.
- Report Changes Quickly: If your child changes schools or your household situation changes, inform the proper authorities immediately.
Common Questions Answered
Many students and families have doubts about how the benefit works.
Here are clear answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you stay informed.
- Can I lose the benefit?
Yes, if you miss too many classes or fail to complete the school year.
- Do I need to apply every year?
No, it’s automatic as long as your CadÚnico and school data are up to date.
- Can I use the money right away?
Some amounts are available monthly, but others may be locked until graduation.
- What if I change schools?
Ensure that your new school updates its records with the Ministry of Education.
- Can I get other benefits at the same time?
Yes, but not if they are similar to federal education grants.
- How do I know if I’m eligible?
Check your CadÚnico status and talk to your school or local CRAS office.
Final Tips for Students and Families
To get the most out of the program, it's essential to stay organized and follow a few key steps.
These tips will help ensure you receive the full benefit without issues.
- Keep CadÚnico Information Updated: Make sure your family’s data is current at your local CRAS office.
- Attend School Regularly: Good attendance is essential to continue receiving monthly payments.
- Track Your Payments in Caixa Tem: Use the app to check deposits and make sure everything is on schedule.
- Contact Your School When Needed: Verify that your records are being sent to the Ministry of Education.
- Use the Benefit Wisely: Plan how to utilize the funds, especially if part of the money is set aside for later use.
- Stay Informed Through Official Channels: Follow updates from the Ministry of Education and your school for any changes to the program.
The Bottomline
The Pé de Meia program offers genuine financial assistance to students who remain in school and strive for graduation.
With the proper steps, you can receive support each year and plan for your future.
Stay informed, meet the requirements, and take action to secure your Pé de Meia benefit today.
