Almost 17 million people have received BRL 600 emergency salary

According to government data, 90 percent of the 18.5 million Brazilians entitled to get the three-month BRL 600 emergency salary have begun receiving the money. Interestingly, only 5.2 million have already withdrawn the amount. Another 2 million have already had their money deposited in digital savings accounts but have not yet touched the funds. With this in mind, Caixa — the public bank in charge of managing the benefit — foresees fewer lines at bank branches in the coming days.

The payment of the emergency benefit became something of a tug-of-war between the federal government and the lower house. While the Executive proposed aid of BRL 200 a month, claiming a lack of funds, the legislature demanded more. In the end, Congress was victorious and the two branches agreed on a monthly payment of BRL 600.

• #inequality
• #outbreak
• #poverty