Minister of the Interior Claudio Alvarado has confirmed the operational details of the Subsidio de Gas Licuado, a measure designed to assist Chilean families with heating expenses during the winter months. The benefit is set to reach approximately 7.5 million people across the country.
In a significant shift from previous methods, the government will not distribute physical gas cylinders, nor will there be municipal operations. The mechanism has been modernized to function through a direct digital transfer.
Digital Distribution via RutPay
The subsidy is equivalent to the value of one 15-kilogram liquefied gas cylinder. This will be delivered as an electronic voucher deposited into RutPay, the BancoEstado digital wallet linked to the Cuenta RUT.
The funds are restricted exclusively to the purchase of gas and can be used at any authorized distributor nationwide. Beneficiaries may use the voucher at the time of their choosing.
Distribution is scheduled to begin in June, aligning with the official start of winter and the period of highest heating consumption.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the benefit, the only requirement is to belong to the 80% most vulnerable population according to the Socioeconomic Qualification of the Registro Social de Hogares.
The subsidy is directed toward the head of the household within this group. Individuals can verify their eligibility by visiting ventanillaunicasocial.gob.cl using their RUT and Clave Única to check their socioeconomic bracket.
A registered and active Cuenta RUT at BancoEstado is necessary to receive the voucher. Those without one can open an account for free at any branch or via the BancoEstado app. For those who already have a Cuenta RUT, the RutPay wallet activates automatically within the app.
Security Warning Regarding Scams
Authorities have issued a stern warning regarding fraudulent websites and social media posts offering “immediate registration” for the gas subsidy. Since the benefit is automatic, no official registration platform exists.
Any request for personal data or a Clave Única in exchange for registration is a scam. The government emphasizes that the process requires no manual application.
Because the process is now handled directly by BancoEstado, the need for in-person procedures or waiting for communal operations has been eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive the gas subsidy?
The benefit is available to the head of the household who belongs to the 80% most vulnerable group according to the Registro Social de Hogares.
Do I need to visit my local municipality to apply?
No. Minister Alvarado explicitly stated that municipalities will not manage the benefit; transfers are made directly through BancoEstado.
What should I do if I do not have a Cuenta RUT?
You can open a Cuenta RUT for free at any BancoEstado branch or through the bank’s mobile application.
How do you feel about the transition from physical aid distribution to digital vouchers for essential services?
