Understand why you may have forgotten money in your PIS/PASEP account.

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Many people go years without realizing they have funds available for withdrawal. And that's no exaggeration: thousands of workers have PIS/PASEP quotas sitting idle, earning interest, and have never checked them. This money comes from old contributions and may be there just waiting for you to claim it. The best part? Checking is quick and requires no effort beyond a few minutes on your cell phone.

PIS and PASEP: what is the difference between them?

PIS is for employees of private companies and is administered by Caixa Econômica Federal. PASEP, on the other hand, is for public sector employees and is managed by Banco do Brasil. They used to operate as separate funds, but their shares were eventually incorporated into the FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund). Even so, many people still have funds linked to their CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID), and these funds can be withdrawn immediately.

Balance of quotas is not a salary bonus.

The most common confusion is mixing up PIS/PASEP quotas with the salary bonus. They are completely different benefits. The bonus follows specific rules regarding the base year and income. The quotas have none of that. If you worked between 1971 and 1988, or if you are an heir of someone who did, there is a good chance that there is money available for withdrawal right now.

Who is entitled to immediate withdrawal?

You may have a balance if you worked during that period or if you are a legal dependent of a deceased person who did work there. Children, spouses, and direct heirs can claim the amount without complication. It's common for families to only discover years later that there was a considerable sum of money sitting in the name of someone in the household.

These values are adjusted over time.

Many people think the balance is small and not even worth looking at. But these amounts are subject to adjustments. What was once a small amount may now be much more. It's literally idle money earning interest in your name, and only those who check receive it.

How to check your balance easily

You can check everything through the FGTS app, the Caixa website (for PIS) or the Banco do Brasil website (for PASEP). Just log in and check if there is a balance available. In a few clicks you'll find out if you're eligible. It's as quick as checking your bank statement.

How does withdrawal work when there is available funds?

If there's a balance, you can transfer it directly to your account through the app. If you prefer, you can do it in person. There's no absurd bureaucracy, no need to spend hours in line, and no complicated paperwork. Generally, your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) already retrieves everything that's needed.

And what about the heirs?

If the account holder has passed away, direct heirs can request the withdrawal by presenting basic documents proving the relationship. Nothing out of the ordinary: a death certificate, personal documents, and proof of family relationship usually suffice. It's a simple process that many families don't even realize exists.

Checking and withdrawing is completely free.

If anyone tries to charge you for a "PIS/PASEP consultation," be immediately suspicious. There are no fees, monthly charges, or secret services. Everything is official and free. You don't need to pay an intermediary to receive a benefit that is rightfully yours.

Why you should consult it even if you've seen it before.

The system undergoes revisions, updates, and releases of funds. Even those who checked years ago and had no balance may have one now. It's a matter of persisting. Checking takes so little time that there's no reason to ignore the possibility of finding unused money.

Use the money however you want, it's all yours.

There are no rules for how to use the money. You can use it to pay off bills, save it for emergencies, invest it, or settle monthly expenses. The important thing is that the money is there, available, without requirements or oversight regarding its purpose.

If there's a real chance you might have money released, it's worth checking now. It's quick, it's simple, and it could yield an amount that will make a practical difference in your life. The worst that can happen is discovering you have nothing. The best? Finding a balance waiting for you.

FAQ:

1. How do I know if I have money available in my PIS/PASEP account?
You can check using the FGTS app, the Caixa website (PIS), or the Banco do Brasil website (PASEP). Simply log in with your CPF and check if there is any available balance.

2. What is the difference between PIS and PASEP?
PIS is for employees of private companies and is administered by Caixa Econômica Federal. PASEP is for public sector employees and is managed by Banco do Brasil. Both contribute to the quotas that may be in your name.

3. Is PIS/PASEP balance the same thing as salary bonus?
No. The bonus follows rules based on the base year, length of service, and salary. The PIS/PASEP quota balance, however, is older, linked to the unified fund, and can be withdrawn at any time by those entitled to it.

4. Who can withdraw the balance?
Those who worked between 1971 and 1988, or the direct heirs of workers who worked during that period, are eligible. Heirs must present documents proving their employment relationship.

See also: Will PIS end? Understand the changes and new rules

Published on November 18, 2025