In Campinas, São Paulo, students enrolled in the Pé-de-Meia program, provided by the Ministry of Education, are reporting delays in payments that they were entitled to after finishing high school. These payments, which include R$1,000 for those graduating in 2025 and additional amounts accumulated from previous years, were expected to be released by early March but have not yet been received. Students indicated that the money is crucial for their living expenses and educational pursuits.

One particular student, Barbarah Elizabeth Giulia Campos, expressed her disappointment, stating she was relying on the payment for household expenses and the care of her child. When she checked her account on Caixa Tem, she discovered no deposit had been made and followed up with customer service, only to be told that the funds were still pending. This situation is not only affecting her financially but also creating stress and uncertainty as they navigate post-graduation life.

The delays in the Pé-de-Meia program payments raise wider concerns about the administration and reliability of government financial assistance programs, especially as many students depend on these funds to help bridge the transition into higher education and independence. The situation calls for timely intervention to ensure that future payments are processed promptly, allowing students to meet their essential needs without unnecessary hindrances.