CadÚnico (Cadastro Único) is Brazil’s federal registry that identifies low-income families for social programs.
Registration is always free and carried out by municipalities, usually at CRAS (Centros de Referência de Assistência Social).
Below you’ll find who can register, the documents you need, and a clear step-by-step guide to register in CadÚnico 2025.
What CadÚnico Is (and isn’t)
CadÚnico is the federal database that gathers socio-economic information about low-income households living in Brazil.
Being in CadÚnico enables screening for programs such as Bolsa Família, Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica, BPC/LOAS, ID Jovem, and others.
Registration by itself does not automatically grant any benefit; each program applies its own rules and checks eligibility separately.
History
CadÚnico was instituted by Decree nº 3.877 (July 24, 2001), during the FHC administration, to unify and standardize data for federal social programs.
MDS (Ministério do Desenvolvimento e Assistência Social, Família e Combate à Fome) is the national manager of CadÚnico.
It is responsible for standards, oversight, and authorizing data access to public bodies.
Where and How Registration Happens
The registration is in person, free of charge, and conducted by municipal teams in CadÚnico/CRAS service posts where the family lives.
You can find the nearest CRAS via the official service page or the CadÚnico app (web or mobile).
Municipalities may offer online appointment systems to schedule the interview, but the formal registration interview itself is face-to-face.
The CadÚnico App: What It Does
The Cadastro Único app and its web version allow you to:
- Check if your registration is up to date
- Consult household members and each person’s NIS
- See the benefits linked to the family
- Issue a proof of registration
- Confirm data
- Locate the nearest service post.
The app also supports pre-registration steps for those not yet enrolled, but the formal interview at a service post is still required for a complete record.
Download it from Google Play or the App Store, or access the web version via the official government link.
Step-by-Step: How to Register in CadÚnico 2025
Indigenous and Quilombola families may identify the RF with specific documents (e.g., RANI for Indigenous families).
Step 1 — Verify your eligibility
If your household’s per-capita income is up to half the minimum wage—or your family is applying to a program that requires CadÚnico—you are eligible to register.
If you live alone, you are also considered a one-person household (unipessoal).
Step 2 — Gather documents
Collect the RF’s CPF (preferred) or Voter ID, photo ID, and proof of address (or residence declaration).
For each household member, bring one acceptable document (CPF, Voter ID, birth/marriage certificate, RG, or Work Card).
If anyone lacks documents, bring what you have; the team must still interview and will guide you on obtaining missing IDs.
Step 3 — Locate your service post
Use the official service page or the app to find the nearest CRAS / CadÚnico post.
Some cities offer online booking for the interview; if this option is available, follow the municipal instructions to schedule the date/time.
Step 4 — Attend the interview
The RF answers questions about income, household composition, housing, education, and work.
Expect about one hour for the interview—plan your visit accordingly. The registration is one per household at the address where you actually live and share income/expenses.
After data entry, your family will obtain or confirm the NIS and the status of your record.
Step 5 — Check your status
Use the CadÚnico app (or web) to issue your proof of registration, verify whether the record is “updated” or “needs update,” and confirm household data.
If you are applying to programs, follow each program’s own channel and rules.
CadÚnico is the common eligibility database, but benefits are not automatic.
Step 6 — Keep your record updated
By rule, families must update their records at least every 24 months, or any time a change happens.
(income, address, school, births/deaths, household composition, etc.).
The 24-month validity continues to apply in 2025.
Modernization in 2025: What Changed
In early 2025, the government launched a new CadÚnico system for municipalities and reinforced guidance for citizens.
For families already registered, no new registration is required—your data was migrated.
The update window remains 24 months, and families should continue to use CRAS, the official website gov.br/cadastrounico, the app, or the national hotline 121.
Authorities also warned citizens to avoid scams claiming a “mandatory new registration.”
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays
Prefer CPF for all members; it speeds up identification during checks. If someone lacks a CPF or other IDs, do the interview anyway and follow the guidance.
Arrive on time and reserve about one hour for the interview. If your city offers appointments, use them to reduce waiting.
Bring school information (name/enrollment) for children and teens; while not strictly mandatory, it helps municipal teams complete your file.
Use official channels only to register in CadÚnico 2025: the service page, the app, CRAS, and Disque 121 (free).
Frequently Asked Points
Is the app mandatory?
No. The app is a convenience to consult or confirm data and locate service posts. The in-person interview is the formal step that creates/updates your record.
Can I register if I live alone?
Yes. People who live alone register as a one-person household, following the same document rules.
How often must I update?
At least every 24 months or whenever something changes in the family (income, address, composition, etc.).
Do I automatically receive benefits after registering?
No. CadÚnico is used to assess eligibility. Each program (e.g., Bolsa Família) has its own criteria and procedures.
Conclusion
You can register in CadÚnico 2025 with a free, local, and structured process designed to identify low-income families for social programs.
You take three core steps: confirm eligibility, gather documents for the RF and all members, and complete the in-person interview at a CRAS or CadÚnico post.
Afterward, you verify your status in the app or web, keep your data updated within 24 months, and follow each program’s own rules for benefits.
