The Guarantee Fund for Length of Service (FGTS) is an essential benefit for Brazilian workers. Created to protect workers in situations of unemployment, serious illness, or the purchase of their own home, the FGTS is a type of mandatory savings that every employer must deposit monthly into a specific account for the employee.

What illnesses allow for withdrawal of FGTS funds?

Many people are unaware that certain serious illnesses allow for early withdrawal of funds from this account. Below, see the illnesses that guarantee the right to withdraw FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund).

1. Cancer

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world, and it is one of the conditions that allows for withdrawal from the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund). Patients diagnosed with cancer are entitled to withdraw the amount deposited in their FGTS account to help with treatment and medical expenses related to the disease.

2. HIV/AIDS

HIV infection or AIDS is another condition that allows for withdrawal of FGTS funds. Patients living with HIV or AIDS can use these resources to cover medical treatments, medications, and other needs related to the disease.

3. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to help with treatment, medication purchases, and adapting their environment to meet the needs arising from the disease.

4. Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis, especially types B and C, can lead to serious liver damage. Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis are entitled to withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) to cover medical treatment and maintain their quality of life.

5. Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects motor coordination. Patients with this disease can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to invest in physiotherapy treatments, medications, and home adaptations.

6. Severe Heart Diseases

Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, unstable angina, and cardiomyopathy, allow for withdrawal of FGTS funds. These funds can be used for surgical procedures, medication purchases, and treatments related to heart health.

7. Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and reasoning. Patients with this diagnosis have the right to withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) to cover medical care, treatments, and home adaptations to improve their quality of life.

8. Irreversible and Incapacitating Paralysis

Any type of irreversible and disabling paralysis, such as paraplegia and tetraplegia, allows for the withdrawal of FGTS funds. These funds can be used to adapt the home, purchase mobility equipment, and cover medical expenses related to the condition.

9. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Patients with cystic fibrosis can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) to help with medical treatments, respiratory physiotherapy, and the purchase of specific medications.

10. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rheumatic disease that affects the joints. Patients with this condition are entitled to withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to cover medical treatments, physiotherapy, and the purchase of assistive equipment.

11. Severe Nephropathy

Patients diagnosed with severe nephropathy, a disease that affects the kidneys, can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian employee severance pay fund) to help with treatment, including dialysis and kidney transplants, as well as the purchase of necessary medications.

12. Blindness

Blindness is a condition that allows for the withdrawal of FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund). The funds can be used to purchase rehabilitation equipment and services, as well as to adapt the patient's environment to their needs.

13. Malignant Neoplasm

Besides cancer, other malignant neoplasms (malignant tumors) allow for the withdrawal of FGTS funds. Patients diagnosed with any type of malignant cancer are entitled to this benefit.

14. AIDS (for addicts)

In addition to patients living with HIV/AIDS, dependents of workers who died due to AIDS are also entitled to withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund).

15. Active Tuberculosis (for dependents)

Dependents of workers who died due to active tuberculosis also have the right to withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund).

It is important to emphasize that, to be eligible to withdraw FGTS funds due to a serious illness, the worker or their dependents must meet certain requirements. Generally, it is necessary to present medical reports, exams, and documentation that prove the medical condition. Furthermore, it is crucial to consult Caixa Econômica Federal or the responsible agency to obtain detailed information about the procedures and documents required to make the withdrawal.

In addition to the 15 illnesses mentioned, it's essential to note that other specific situations may also allow for the withdrawal of FGTS funds. For example, purchasing a home, retirement, dismissal without just cause, and even natural disasters can enable access to FGTS resources. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your rights and seek appropriate guidance when necessary.

However, it's important to note that the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) is an important benefit, and withdrawing it in situations of extreme need, such as a serious illness, can diminish long-term financial security. Therefore, before making a withdrawal, it is advisable to seek guidance from a financial professional to assess the best available options, considering immediate needs and future goals.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that withdrawing funds from the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) due to serious illnesses is an important way to support patients and their families during difficult times. These resources can be used to cover medical expenses, treatments, environmental adaptations, and ultimately, improve the quality of life of those affected by the illness.

Remember that access to FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) is a worker's right, and the legislation is constantly evolving. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated on the conditions that allow for FGTS withdrawals, as well as the necessary procedures to request the benefit.

See also: Can someone receiving Bolsa Família have a formal employment contract? Understand the benefit.

October 17, 2023