New PG+Humana Card expands benefits and starts being delivered this Thursday (16)

The new PG+Human Card begins to be delivered at the Ponta Grossa Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) starting Wednesday (16). With the change, the program expands the benefits offered to families in vulnerable situations, including help at birth, death and emergency situations or public calamity.

Until then used mainly for food aid, the card may concentrate different modalities of financial support for the same family. The initiative is coordinated by the Ponta Grossa Social Welfare Foundation (FASPG).

“In one year of existence, PG+Humana has already demonstrated that it is possible to combine agility and sensitivity in the care of those who need it most, reaching thousands of Ponta Grossa families. Expanding card coverage means recognizing that the vulnerability has no time or warning and that public authorities need to be prepared to respond as quickly as life demands,” says prefeita Elizabeth Schmidt.

According to the president of FASPG, Tatyana Belo, the proposal is to facilitate access to the different aids offered by the municipality.

“By bringing them all together on the PG+Human Card, we were able to simplify access and ensure that the family receives the right support at the right time,” he said.

The amounts are available as credit for use in establishments identified with the seal “Aqui Tem Mercado da Família”.

Network agreed more than fold

Another change involves the hiring of the company Neo Facilidades, which becomes responsible for the issuance of the cards and also for the accreditation of the participating establishments.

With the new model, the network has grown from 33 to 70 establishments, including markets, pharmacies and clothing stores.

“This means more autonomy for each family to decide where and how to use the value, according to their real need,” Tatyana says.

See the benefits available

The birth aid guarantees a single installment equivalent to 25% of the minimum wage, currently in the amount of R$ 405.25. The benefit can be requested during pregnancy or up to 60 days after delivery.

For the granting, documents such as birth certificate, identification, proof of residence and information about the income of the members of the family must be presented. Payment must take place within 30 days of the request. Even in cases of death of the child or the mother, the right to benefit is maintained.

The death aid provides a single installment equivalent to 30% of the minimum wage, corresponding to R$ 486.30. The request must be made within 60 days of the death.

The benefit does not cover burial expenses, which continue to be covered free of charge by Serviço Funerário Municipal.

In situations of emergency or public calamity recognized by the public authority, the PG+Human Card may also offer financial assistance. In this case, there is no fixed value previously defined, since the amount will be established according to the need presented.

Applicants are also exempt from the prior proofs normally required for the other benefits.

Food aid is still available

Food aid remains among the benefits of the programme. It is intended for the purchase of food and cleaning products in the approved establishments.

The credit corresponds to 15% of the minimum wage, currently R$ 243.15, and is valid for 60 days. The period may be extended in situations considered of greater complexity.

Who can request

The benefits are intended primarily for residents of Ponta Grossa who have family income of up to half a minimum wage per person, equivalent to R$ 810.50, and, preferably, proven residence for more than six months in the municipality.

Families with incomes above this limit may also apply for aid, provided that a situation of vulnerability is found.

The award depends on a technical evaluation carried out by the teams of the CRAS or the Specialized Reference Centre for Social Assistance (CREAS).

According to FASPG social worker Viviane Orlowski, the lack of any document does not necessarily prevent the care.

“Every family that comes to us has a different story, and that’s what our team takes into account in the evaluation. It is not just looking at the income on paper, it is understanding the moment that that family is living to ensure that the benefit reaches those who really need it,” he explains.

How to apply for the PG+Human Card

Interested families should seek directly the CRAS or CREAS closest to the residence to request the benefit and go through the evaluation of the social assistance team.

The delivery of the new cards begins on Wednesday, September 16, at the CRAS of Ponta Grossa.