Changes to the FGTS Anniversary Withdrawal Rule aim to give Brazilian workers greater access to their funds immediately after dismissal. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to sign the new measure on February 28, 2025, with significant expectations of economic relief for millions.
The FGTS, or Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço, is a key service guarantee fund established to protect workers' employment rights. The current anniversary withdrawal regime, introduced back in 2019, lets workers withdraw part of their FGTS balance annually—specifically during their birthday month. Historically, this system has been somewhat restrictive; upon dismissal without cause, employees could only access their 40% severance penalty, with the rest of the fund remaining inaccessible until future anniversary withdrawals occurred.
According to government estimates, this latest change will directly benefit around 12.1 million workers, injecting approximately R$ 12 billion back directly to the economy with the public announcement. The new procedure stipulates no more waiting for two years to access what is rightfully theirs after being dismissed. Instead, the measure allows those within the anniversary withdrawal system to withdraw their complete balance immediately upon severance.
The first payment phase, announced for March 6, 2025, will allow workers to access up to R$ 3,000. If their total balance is higher, the remaining amounts will be made available 110 days after the measure's publication. Workers will receive these funds directly, either through their bank accounts or via authorized financial institutions, ensuring streamlined access for those who need it most.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor stated, “Essa mudança equipara as regras do saque-aniversário ao modelo tradicional de saque-rescisão,” emphasizing how these rules have transitioned to signal urgency for workers fighting for economic survival. It’s time to lift the burden of financial uncertainty for those caught off guard by unexpected job losses.
It’s also worth noting, according to another government spokesperson, "A medida vai beneficiar 12,1 milhões de pessoas e serão disponibilizados R$ 12 bilhões no total,” showcasing the financial scope and anticipated impact of these newfound funds on Brazilian citizens’ lives.
The upcoming changes could signify relief to workers who felt restrained under the previous system, which often forced individuals to wait for extended periods before they could access their own money. This quality-of-life enhancement seems especially timely, as many Brazilians are grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by inflation and market instability.
Those wishing to capitalize on this new opportunity and switch their FGTS withdrawal method will be permitted to make the change via the FGTS application, the Caixa Econômica Federal website, or through local branches. It’s been outlined by the Ministry of Labor, “A adesão ao saque-aniversário pode ser feita pelo aplicativo do FGTS, pelo site da Caixa Econômica Federal ou em agências do banco.”
Nonetheless, workers need to act quickly; the benefit applies only to those who were dismissed from January 2020 through the new rule's announcement date. If workers are dismissed following the implementation of the MP, they will fall back on the original restrictions: having to wait for future anniversaries to access their full fund balance.
During the public announcement, Labor Minister Luiz Marinho reaffirmed, "O saque-aniversário vai acabar? O governo federal manterá o saque-aniversário do FGTS," signifying the government's commitment to keep this payment option available. This reassurance could provide workers with some comfort as they navigate the often-difficult waters of employment and finances.
Overall, the rule changes for the FGTS anniversary withdrawal present hope and immediate aid for many Brazilian workers who have faced challenging employment situations. The enhancements reflect the government's responsiveness to labor needs and hopes for both immediate financial support and long-term job stability.