Are you entitled to a stocking foot?
Find out if you're eligible for Pé-de-Meia, the Federal Government program that promises to change the lives of thousands of public high school students. The government created the Pé-de-Meia (Sock Money) program to combat school dropout rates while also encouraging students to remain in the classroom. It offers a monthly financial incentive and also guarantees accumulated savings for those who study, attend regularly, and complete the school year successfully. As a result, thousands of students are already receiving the benefit—and, who knows, you might also be eligible and not yet know it.
What is a Nest Egg?
O Nest Egg is a program to encourage students to stay in school, launched in 2024 by the Federal Government. The government targets public high school students from low-income families. In other words, it's an initiative that guarantees monthly and annual payments to students, with the aim of reduce school dropout rates and increase high school graduation rates.
Caixa automatically deposits the benefit into a Digital Social Savings Account, which the student manages through the Caixa Tem app (available for Android and iOS), without needing to go to a bank branch.
What is the value of the benefit?
The total value of the savings account, over the three years of high school, can reach R$1,200. This amount is built up gradually, through monthly installments, annual bonuses for completing each grade and, finally, an extra amount for participating in the ENEM (National High School Exam).
Here's how payments work:
- R$ 200 per month (for up to 9 months a year), for a minimum school attendance of 80%;
- R$ 1,000 per academic year completed with approval, deposited in savings;
- R$ 200 additional in the 3rd year, for participating in ENEM.
Example of earnings per year:
| Academic Year | Monthly (9x R$ 200) | Completion Bonus | ENEM | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | R$ 1.800 | R$ 1,000 | — | R$ 2.800 |
| 2nd Year | R$ 1.800 | R$ 1,000 | — | R$ 2.800 |
| 3rd Year | R$ 1.800 | R$ 1,000 | R$ 200 | R$ 3,000 |
| Total | R$ 9.200 |
In effect, the student not only receives immediate financial aid, but also builds up a reserve that can be used to study, work, or invest after finishing school.
Who is entitled to the Nest Egg?
Now let's get down to business: Do you fit the criteria?
Check the requirements to receive the benefit:
- Have between 14 and 24 years old;
- Be enrolled in public high school;
- Be part of a family registered in the Single Registry (CadÚnico) with monthly income of up to half the minimum wage per person;
- To have minimum school attendance of 80%;
- Conclude the year with approval;
- Participate in INEP assessments, like the ENEM or SAEB.
Therefore, if you are in public high school, are part of CadÚnico and maintain good attendance, the chances are high that you are already entitled to the benefit.
How do I know if I'm on the list?
The Federal Government has made available an official portal where you can check if you are among those selected:
🔗 Access: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/consultar-elegibilidade-para-o-programa-pe-de-meia
There you will find the schedule, detailed information about how the program works and the channels to ask questions.
Additionally, it is possible to check with the your school's office if the data is up to date and if your name has been sent to the MEC.
Important tip:
Update your CadÚnico as soon as possibleThis is essential to ensure your eligibility. Go to the nearest CRAS with your family's documents. After all, the system must be up to date for the benefit to be released.
What if I repeat the year?
Although the incentive is aimed at completing high school, the student does not automatically lose the right if he failsEven if this delays earnings, it is possible to continue receiving them the following year — as long as the criteria continue to be met.
In other words, the important thing is don't give up on school. The program recognizes that difficulties happen, but rewards those who insist and return.
How is the money paid?
The amount is deposited in a Caixa Digital Social Savings Account, automatically opened by the government. To move, simply use the app Caixa Tem, available free of charge to Android e iOS.
However, for minors, movement requires authorization of a legal guardianThis release can be done through the app, with the necessary documents.
Why is the Nest Egg so relevant?
Countless young people drop out of school because they need financial help at home. The Nest Egg undeniably change this logic, as it offers a stable income while the student remains in studies.
Furthermore, he encourages financial planning from an early age, helps to build a reserve for the future and strengthens the bond between the student and the school.
Direct benefits:
- Reduction of school dropouts;
- Incentive to approval;
- Active participation in national exams;
- Greater chance of access to college or technical courses;
- Support for low-income families.
In summary, is a public policy that values education and respects the social reality of millions of Brazilians.