The Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment has made updates to the unemployment insurance table for 2025, reflecting changes to the minimum wage and inflation over the past year. This new table, which came effective on January 11, aims to provide support for workers dismissed without just cause.
With the recent increase, the minimum wage has been set at R$ 1,518, marking a R$ 106 rise from previous years. Since the unemployment insurance cannot fall below this minimum wage level, eligible workers will receive at least this amount.
The adjustments also accounted for the National Consumer Price Index (INPC), which reported inflation of 4.77% over 2024. The adjustments are not just numerical; they serve to support those who find themselves unexpectedly out of work.
So, how is the unemployment insurance calculated? The benefit is based on the average of the last three salaries received before layoffs. Here’s how the calculation breaks down for 2025:
- For average salaries up to R$ 2,138.70: The benefit is calculated at 80% of this amount.
- For average salaries between R$ 2,138.71 and R$ 3,564.96: Any income exceeding R$ 2,138.70 is multiplied by 50%, and R$ 1,711.00 is added to this sum.
- For salaries above R$ 3,564.96: The maximum benefit will be capped at R$ 2,424.11.
If the calculated benefit is less than the minimum salary, the worker will receive the guaranteed minimum of R$ 1,518.
Who is eligible for this unemployment insurance? Workers must meet several criteria:
- They must have been dismissed without just cause.
- They should be unemployed when applying for the benefit.
- The income must have been earned from a legal entity for specific periods—12 months within the last 18 months for the first request, 9 out of the last 12 months for the second request, and 6 months for third requests and thereafter.
- Applicants cannot have another source of income ensuring personal and family sustenance.
- They also should not be receiving benefits like pensions or continuous social security allowances.
It’s important to note here: Workers registered as Microempreendedor Individual (MEI) could see their applications denied if the government identifies another source of income.
How to apply for the unemployment insurance? Workers can submit their applications via several avenues:
- Through the Portal Gov.br (www.gov.br)
- Using the Digital Work Card app available on Android and iOS
- At National Employment System (SINE) units
- Regional Labor and Employment Superintendencies
- Through representative labor unions (in some cases)
Many workers prefer the online option at the Portal Gov.br as it's quicker and permits application without needing to travel.
The recent adjustment to unemployment insurance ensures no worker will receive less than the minimum wage, taking inflation over the last year seriously. If you have been recently laid off, it’s worthwhile to verify your right to this benefit and apply using the official channels. And if you need assistance with calculations, you can utilize online calculators or seek help from specialists.