Lula government launches Deployment for informal up to date and debtors of the Fies

On June 29, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration unveiled a new phase of its "Desenrola" program called "Desenrola Adimplentes." This initiative aims to assist informal workers who are up-to-date on their financial obligations but face high interest rates, along with students and entrepreneurs holding regular Fies (Federal Student Financing Program) contracts. The government estimates that this new phase could reach up to 500,000 informal workers and approximately 100,000 beneficiaries of student financing.

According to official statements, participants in both the "Desenrola Adiplentes" and "Fies Empreendedor" programs will need to accept a condition: the blocking of their CPF (individual taxpayer registry) on betting platforms for six months. The program specifically targets informal workers, excluding those with signed employment contracts, retirees, pensioners, and public servants.

Minister Dario Durigan, responsible for Finance, explained that informal workers often rely on credit without guarantees, which results in some of the highest interest rates in the country. He emphasized that these individuals typically do not have access to the more favorable terms available to formal employees through the CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws), public servant consignment, or INSS (National Social Insurance Institute). President Lula did not deliver a speech during the launch.

The program allows for renegotiation of existing debts and also permits the contracting of additional credit up to 50% of the original debt balance. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria: they should have a non-consigned personal loan, have paid at least four installments, have a current debt or one delayed by up to 90 days, and hold a debt balance of up to R$15,000. New conditions include a maximum monthly interest rate of 1.99%, a repayment period equivalent to the remaining term of the original contract, with an option to extend it by up to six months, and installment payments limited to no more than 90% of the previous installment amount. The total cost of the program is estimated at R$4 billion, with R$3 billion allocated to "Desenrola Adiplentes" and R$1 billion to "Fies Empreendedor."

Rogério Ceron, the executive secretary of the Ministry of Finance, stated that initially, the credit lines would be available through the Caixa Econômica Federal and Banco do Brasil. Private banks are still evaluating whether to join the program. Ceron noted that there has been no unanimous decision among members of Febraban (Brazilian Federation of Banks), with each bank assessing its target audience independently. He added that customers from other institutions can request credit analysis at Caixa or Banco do Brasil to transfer their loans.

Another component of the program focuses on students and entrepreneurs with regular Fies contracts. The government argues that many graduates work in freelance professions and require capital to start or expand their businesses, including those already registered under a CNPJ (company identification number). Participants must be up-to-date on their Fies payments for at least three years and must not have previously renegotiated their Fies contracts. The conditions include annual interest rates up to 11%, with a maximum loan amount of R$180,000 for legal entities and R$80,000 for individuals, with maximum repayment periods of 96 and 60 months respectively.

This new initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to provide financial relief to vulnerable groups while promoting economic inclusion. By addressing the specific challenges faced by informal workers and students, the program seeks to reduce the burden of high-interest debt and stimulate economic activity through accessible credit options. The involvement of major state-owned banks suggests a strategic approach to ensure broad participation, although private sector engagement remains uncertain. As the program unfolds, its impact on the targeted populations and the broader economy will be closely watched.