Bono Dueña de Casa, formally known as the “Bono de Protección,” is a benefit offered by the Chilean government to vulnerable families and individuals. It’s designed to provide financial support, especially to those newly participating in the Subsistema de Seguridades y Oportunidades (SSyOO), a social safety net aimed at combating poverty and social exclusion.
The “Dueña de Casa” (meaning “housewife” or “homemaker”) aspect of the name isn’t strictly tied to gender or traditional roles. It reflects the fact that the primary beneficiary is typically the head of household, who is often, though not always, a woman responsible for managing the home and family.
Eligibility for the Bono Dueña de Casa isn’t something one applies for directly. Instead, it’s automatically granted to families and individuals who accept the invitation to participate in the SSyOO program. This invitation is extended after an assessment of their socioeconomic circumstances, typically through a “Ficha de Protección Social” or a similar instrument used to determine eligibility for various social programs.
The benefit is structured as a monthly payment disbursed over a period of 24 months. The exact amount varies each month, decreasing over time. In the early months of the program, the payment is higher to provide initial support to the family as they engage with the SSyOO. As they progress through the program and ideally start experiencing improvements in their living conditions, the payment gradually reduces.
The payments are typically made through a bank account in the name of the primary beneficiary. If the beneficiary doesn’t have a bank account, the government facilitates the opening of a Cuenta Rut, a simplified and widely accessible bank account offered by BancoEstado, a state-owned bank. This simplifies the distribution process and promotes financial inclusion.
The Bono Dueña de Casa isn’t intended as a long-term solution to poverty, but rather as a stepping stone. It aims to incentivize participation in the SSyOO program and to provide a financial buffer while families access services and opportunities designed to improve their employment prospects, education levels, and overall well-being.
The effectiveness of the Bono Dueña de Casa, like any social welfare program, is subject to ongoing debate and evaluation. Critics sometimes argue that the amounts are too small to have a significant impact on poverty reduction. However, proponents emphasize its role in encouraging participation in vital social programs and providing a tangible form of support during a critical period of transition.
In summary, the Bono Dueña de Casa is a Chilean government initiative providing targeted financial assistance to vulnerable families who have newly joined the Subsistema de Seguridades y Oportunidades. Its purpose is to support them as they engage with programs designed to enhance their economic and social mobility, recognizing the crucial role of the head of household in managing family resources and navigating the challenges of poverty.