The Brazilian government has officially approved the payment schedule for the Abono Salarial for 2025, marking an important step for approximately 25.8 million workers across the country. The announcement, made on December 18, by the Council Deliberative of the Fundo de Amparo ao Trabalhador (Codefat), reveals details about when these payments will begin and how eligible recipients can access their benefits.
The Abono Salarial, which acts as additional support for low-income workers, will commence distribution from February 17, 2025, for those born in January. Payments will be staggered according to the month of birth, culminating on August 15, 2025, for December-born recipients. The total allocation for this program is projected to reach R$ 30.7 billion, significantly up from the R$ 27 billion allocated for the previous year.
Eligibility requirements mandate workers to have been formally employed for at least 30 days during the base year, which is 2023 for this payment schedule, and have earned up to two minimum salaries, roughly R$ 2,640. To qualify, applicants must also be registered under the PIS or Pasep programs for at least five years, with their employer's data correctly submitted via the Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (RAIS) by May 15, 2024, or through eSocial by August 19, 2024.
According to the Minister of Labor and Employment, Luiz Marinho, this program demonstrates effective public policy, garnering 99% uptake among eligible recipients. “There is only 1% of beneficiaries who have not yet accessed the Abono Salarial,” Marinho noted during the Council meeting. He also highlighted the improving economic conditions, predicting continued growth and lower unemployment rates going forward.
From February 5, 2025, workers will have the option to confirm their eligibility through various channels, including the Digital Work Card app, the Gov.br portal, and the free Alô Trabalho hotline at 158. This initiative ensures widespread accessibility and enables individuals to check their benefit entitlements efficiently.
Payments will be made primarily through the Caixa Econômica Federal for PIS recipients, which means those with existing accounts will automatically receive the funds. Those attached to the Banco do Brasil under the Pasep program will have their benefits similarly disbursed, with options for access including PIX, bank transfers, and cash withdrawals at agency locations. For workers without bank accounts, provisions have been made to facilitate payment through digital savings accounts created with the Caixa's social banking initiative.
Looking back at previous years, the Abono Salarial has been instrumental for many, acting as what could be seen as a 14th salary for low-wage Brazilian employees. This year, the program will reflect the dynamic economic environment, aiming to assist families across the socioeconomic spectrum amid improving job statistics.
Despite the positives, the government acknowledges substantial challenges remain. There’s considerable emphasis on workforce qualification, wage increases, and addressing job turnover rates. The Ministry of Labor is also working alongside the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and Senai to create 200,000 vacancies for free vocational training to meet these demands.
For the upcoming abono de 2025, the distribution schedule stipulates key dates for each group according to their birth month:
- Nascidos em janeiro: 17 de fevereiro
- Nascidos em fevereiro: 17 de março
- Nascidos em março e abril: 15 de abril
- Nascidos em maio e junho: 15 de maio
- Nascidos em julho e agosto: 16 de junho
- Nascidos em setembro e outubro: 15 de julho
- Nascidos em novembro e dezembro: 15 de agosto
This comprehensive approach to the Abono Salarial ensures not just financial assistance but aims to strengthen the workforce and, by extension, the Brazilian economy. The strategic distribution and eligibility checks hint at the government’s commitment to creating sustainable uplift for its working class.
