02/12/2015
Last Monday November 30, Samarco began delivering 115 cards for financial support to the families from the communities of Bento Rodrigues, Paracatu, Pedras, Ponte do Gama and Campinas, which were directly impacted by the accident involving the dams. The deliveries will continue to be delivered to all families registered and validated by the company and the Civil Defense until they are met. The objective is to offer alternate payments for expenses, such as personal, families and residences of all people who temporary lost their income.
The assistance contemplates the monthly payment of a minimum wage salary, plus an additional 20% of the salary to each of the dependents, including an amount of R$338,61 for staple food. The financial grant will be made available through a debit card for grocery shopping at any commercial establishment, which allows performing withdraws and transfers on ATMs.
In Mariana, the terminals are located at SJ and Cooperouro supermarkets. The credit is made available until the 5th business day of each month and the amount is retroactive to November 5. The assistance does not represent any compensation for losses and damages, and is paid even if the family receives social benefits, such as Bolsa Família (Family Allowance) and retirement.
The next cards issued will be delivered to the card owner indicated by the family nucleus during the social meetings promoted by Samarco. The individual will receive a sealed envelope with the card and a password, followed by a lists of authorized businesses, orientation for activation and a step by step user’s guide. The beneficiary must provide personal documents, such as CPF (Individual Taxpayer Identification) and birth certificate to receive the benefit.
Definition of Amounts
The financial support amount was defined with a study developed by Samarco in 2013 to socioeconomically characterize the district of Bento Rodigues. If a new amount is agreed, the credit will be readjusted. To define the amount for the staple food , Samarco was backed up by the publication of the Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioconomic Studies (DIEESE,) of October, regarding the average price of the National Staple Food.
Right for Assistance
All families living with relatives, friends, hotels and temporary homes who directly affected by the accident with the dams and were registered by Samarco and the Civil Defense in Mariana will be contemplated. Relatives, such as brother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, brother and children will have the right to a percentage as dependent.
The study is ongoing to extend the assistance to families of Barra Longa and other communities , such as farmers, fishermen and miners, and those whose houses were hit, but isolated. The proposal will be discussed with the bodies for human right protection.
