Straw Hat Program: how it works and who is eligible

Have you ever heard of the Straw Hat Program? Maybe not, but that's not uncommon. 

This is because, although it is an important social program, it is not at a national level, and is only available in the state of Pernambuco. 

If you are from this region or are interested in knowing more about how this program works, continue reading this text. 

What is Straw Hat?

It is a social program established by the Government of the State of Pernambuco. It was created in 1988, although it is not yet well known, it is not recent, and was converted into State Law No. 13,244/2007.

Its main objective is to provide financial support to workers whose jobs have been affected by the off-season of sugarcane, irrigated fruit farming and adverse conditions in artisanal fishing.

The institution responsible for the financial transfer is Caixa Econômica Federal, the money comes from the budget of the Government of the State of Pernambuco. 

Who is the target audience for this program?

O Straw Hat Program serves a specific audience, so it is important to see who fits into it to see if they are eligible. 

Many people from Pernambuco have the right to participate in this program, but end up not doing so due to lack of information.

So, see the list below to find out who the Straw Hat is intended. 

• Workers, in a situation of poverty, coming from sugar cane, irrigated fruit farming and artisanal fishing,
• due to the adverse conditions belonging to families registered with SEPLAG.

It is important to highlight that families that carry out activities related to sugar cane and irrigated fruit growing must have a monthly per capita family income of up to R$60.00, with or without children.

If the family has pregnant women, nursing mothers and children and adolescents from 0 to 15 years old in the family composition, the monthly per capita income must be between R$ 60.01 and R$ 120.00

While families linked to artisanal fishing must have a monthly per capita income of R$70.00, with or without children.

Those who have nursing mothers, pregnant women and children and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years must have a monthly per capita income between R$ 70.01 and R$ 140.00. 

The program also includes young people between 18 and 24 years old who are unemployed, however, some rules must be met, namely:

• unemployment must be due to the sugarcane off-season or;
• who have a family member who is unemployed for this reason.

Other than that, anyone receiving unemployment insurance or a pension from the INSS cannot be included in the program. 

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How does the Straw Hat Program work? 

The program operates in three main stages: registration, selection and inclusion of beneficiaries. 

Both parts are the responsibility of the Pernambuco Planning and Management Secretariat (SEPLAG). 

Financial remuneration is paid for 5 months per year, during the period: 

• the off-season of sugar cane and irrigated fruit growing;
• fishing closed season.

The values were readjusted by 38% in 2024, and went from R$ 271.10 to R$ 273.00, in the case of sugarcane and fruit growing workers.

The value of artisanal fishermen also increased, now it is R$ 387.04. The two adjustments add up to an increase of 73%.

How to do it?

To register for the Chapéu de Palha Program, interested parties and eligible public must present the necessary documentation at the time of registration, which includes:

• PIS or NIS;
• ID;
• CPF;
• Proof of address;
• Digital Work Card, issued up to 15 days before registration;
• CNIS updated.

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, go to a SEPLAG service point in your city and register. 

How to receive?

Payment can be made by credit to a Digital Account or credit to a digital social savings account.

The second option is automatically opened by Caixa and managed through the Caixa Tem app. 

Withdrawals can be made at lottery shops, ATMs, Caixa branches and Caixa Aqui correspondents. 

If you choose to receive via Caixa Tem, you can move your money around in the app itself: make purchases with a physical or virtual debit card, Pix, pay bills and much more. 

To clarify further questions about the program, access the Caixa website or SEPLAG. 

Conclusion

O Straw Hat Program is an important initiative for workers in the State of Pernambuco. 

Find out more about it and see if you are eligible. Since there is a start and end date for registrations, it is important to act soon to avoid being left out of this year's payments. 

If you know someone who fits the profile of potential beneficiaries, be sure to share this content. 

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