Family allowance (salário-família) in Brazil 2026: R$ 67.54 per child, who is entitled and how to apply
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In 2026, the family allowance is R$ 67.54 per child up to age 14 for those earning up to R$ 1,980.38. Who receives it, documents, how to apply through the employer and why so many people miss out.
*The family allowance (salário-família) is an INSS (social security) benefit paid together with salary to low-income employees with children up to 14 years old or with disabilities at any age. In 2026, the amount is R$ 67.54 per child, for those earning up to R$ 1,980.38 a month (Interministerial Ordinance MPS/MF 13/2026).* The employer pays it and then offsets the amount against INSS contributions.
Quick summary
- 2026 amount: R$ 67.54 per child (or equivalent).
- Income limit: monthly pay of up to R$ 1,980.38.
- Who receives it: employees, including domestic and casual workers, and some retirees.
- Children: up to 14 years old or with disabilities, with no age limit; stepchildren and wards who are financially dependent also count.
- Mother and father who both work can each receive it, if both qualify.
- Requirements: birth certificate, vaccination card (up to age 6) and school attendance (from age 7).
How to apply
- Give HR the child's birth certificate and the declaration of responsibility.
- Present the vaccination card annually for children up to 6.
- Present proof of school attendance every six months for children aged 7 to 14.
- Check your payslip for the "salário-família" line — see How to read your payslip.
Why many people miss out
- They do not inform HR of the child's birth.
- They stop handing in school attendance proof.
- They do not know they are entitled because the amount seems small — in a year, it is R$ 810.48 per child.
- Salary exceeds the limit in a month with overtime: entitlement is assessed month by month.
Frequently asked questions
Does someone earning slightly above the limit receive part of it?
No. The benefit is not proportional: above R$ 1,980.38, nothing is paid that month.
Does the family allowance count for INSS or FGTS?
No. It is not salary.
Can I claim overdue amounts?
Yes, if you handed in the documents and the employer did not pay. Ask HR to regularize and, if necessary, claim through labor channels.
Read more in this series
Official sources consulted
Informational content, updated in October 2026. Amounts are adjusted annually. This does not replace an individual analysis of your case.
Informational content produced by the Human Case editorial team based on official public sources. Does not replace individual advice.
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Did you know anyone earning up to R$ 1,980.38 receives R$ 67.54 per child in family allowance?
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