Overview
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree raising Bolsa Família benefits by 15.04%, moving the program floor from R$600 to R$691 and adjusting other payments, a measure announced on Thursday, Sept. 17.
- The Advocacia‑Geral da União defended the decree as an inflation recomposition under Law 14.601/2023 and said it does not change eligibility or create new benefits.
- A TSE minister, André Mendonça, dismissed an early challenge from deputy Zé Trovão for lack of standing, while opposition candidate Renan Santos said his campaign will file a properly constituted electoral representation.
- STF Minister Gilmar Mendes issued a decision endorsing the update as a periodic INPC‑linked recomposition tied to the Mandado de Injunção order, leaving the measure in force pending any further court action.
- The government estimates a fiscal cost of roughly R$5.8 billion in 2026 and R$22 billion in 2027, critics call the timing electoral populism, and Lula’s campaign has mobilized militants to publicize the adjustment.