On Friday, March 28, 2025, the long-awaited process for withdrawing forgotten funds from the old PIS/Pasep program officially begins, offering a lifeline to approximately 10.5 million former workers who have yet to reclaim their money. This initiative allows eligible individuals to access their entitlements related to the now-defunct fund, which was designed to supplement the income of workers with formal employment contracts from 1971 to 1988.
According to estimates from the Ministry of Finance, a staggering R$ 26.3 billion remains unclaimed in the fund, with each worker set to receive an average of R$ 2,800. The funds, which were originally intended to be a safety net for workers, have been largely forgotten, with many individuals unaware of their existence despite extensive media campaigns.
The withdrawal process is straightforward, with the Ministry of Finance launching a new online platform called Repis Cidadão to facilitate access to these funds. This platform consolidates all necessary information, allowing workers and their heirs to check for any amounts owed and to process their claims efficiently. To access the Repis Cidadão, users must have a silver or gold account on the Gov.br portal.
Payments will be made in several phases, with the first disbursements occurring on March 28, 2025, for those who made their requests by February 28, 2025. Subsequent payments are scheduled as follows:
- Requests made by March 31, 2025, will be paid on April 25, 2025.
- Requests made by April 30, 2025, will be paid on May 26, 2025.
- Requests made by May 31, 2025, will be paid on June 25, 2025.
- Requests made by June 30, 2025, will be paid on July 25, 2025.
- Requests made by July 31, 2025, will be paid on August 25, 2025.
- Requests made by August 31, 2025, will be paid on September 25, 2025.
- Requests made by September 30, 2025, will be paid on October 27, 2025.
- Requests made by October 31, 2025, will be paid on November 25, 2025.
- Requests made by November 30, 2025, will be paid on December 26, 2025.
- Requests made by December 31, 2025, will be paid on January 26, 2026.
It is crucial for workers to act quickly, as the deadline for submitting claims is set for September 2028. Failure to request the reimbursement by this date will result in the funds being absorbed into the National Treasury, with no further opportunity for withdrawal.
The PIS/Pasep fund, which was created to provide additional income for workers during the years it was active, has a complicated history. Originally, it was intended to be a safety net for employees and public servants. However, after the fund was abolished in 2020, many individuals lost track of their entitlements. Although the government had previously allowed withdrawals in 2018, many still remained unaware of their rights to these funds.
For those looking to claim their money, the process involves a few simple steps. After accessing the Repis Cidadão platform, users will need to log in using their Gov.br credentials. Once logged in, they can check for any available funds and follow the instructions provided on the platform to initiate the withdrawal.
In cases where the original beneficiary has passed away, legal heirs can also claim the funds. They will need to provide additional documentation, such as a certificate of the PIS/Pasep or a declaration of dependents eligible for pension benefits, to facilitate the withdrawal process. The Ministry of Finance has emphasized the importance of clear communication and support for all potential claimants, ensuring they understand their rights and the steps necessary to access their funds.
As the distribution of these forgotten funds begins, it marks a significant moment for millions of Brazilians who may have been unaware of their entitlements. The government’s efforts to streamline the withdrawal process through the Repis Cidadão platform reflect a commitment to ensuring that workers receive the benefits they are owed.
For many, the average payout of R$ 2,800 could provide much-needed financial relief, especially in a time when economic pressures are felt widely across the nation. The government urges all eligible workers and their heirs to take action and secure their financial futures by accessing these funds before the September 2028 deadline.
In summary, the commencement of payments from the old PIS/Pasep fund represents a vital opportunity for over 10 million Brazilians to reclaim forgotten money. With the average payout and the ease of access provided by the Repis Cidadão platform, this initiative is a crucial step towards rectifying past oversights and ensuring that workers receive their rightful benefits.
