The Guarantee Fund for Length of Service (FGTS) is a right of Brazilian workers, created to ensure a financial reserve for the employee. However, there are cases in which the FGTS can be subject to judicial seizure, generating doubts and concerns. In this blog post, we will explore the circumstances in which this can happen and how workers should proceed.

What is the FGTS?

The Guarantee Fund for Length of Service (FGTS) is an employment benefit in Brazil. It was established by Law No. 5,107, of September 13, 1966, and aims to protect workers in cases of dismissal without just cause, as well as allowing other withdrawal options in specific situations.

The FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) works as follows: every employer is required to deposit, into a linked account in the employee's name, an amount corresponding to 81% of the employee's salary. These deposits are made monthly and form a financial reserve that the worker can use in certain situations stipulated by law.

Among the main situations in which a worker can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund), the following stand out:

  • Dismissal without just cause: In the event of dismissal without justified reason, the worker is entitled to withdraw the accumulated amount in their FGTS account.
  • Buying your own home: The FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) can be used as part of the payment or to pay off a mortgage, provided the worker meets the established requirements.
  • Retirement: Upon retirement, the worker can withdraw the total balance from their linked FGTS account.
  • Serious illness: In cases of serious illnesses, such as cancer, HIV, or other specified conditions, the worker can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund).
  • Death of the account holder: In the event of the account holder's death, the dependents are entitled to withdraw the FGTS balance.

It is important to emphasize that the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) is a form of financial protection for workers, providing a reserve that can be used in crucial moments of life. In addition to the withdrawals mentioned, there are other specific situations in which workers can access FGTS funds, such as in cases of public calamity, natural disasters, and others, as determined by current legislation. The FGTS balance and deposits are managed by Caixa Econômica Federal, and workers can check their balances and make withdrawals through the bank's official website.

When can FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) be blocked by court order?

In exceptional situations, FGTS funds can be blocked by court order. The main reasons include:

1. Labor debts

If the employer has outstanding labor debts, the judge may order the blocking of the FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to guarantee the payment of the worker's rights. This blocking aims to ensure that the employee receives the amounts owed.

2. Alimony debts

In cases of unpaid child support, the FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) can be blocked to guarantee the support of dependents. It is important to emphasize that this measure is applied as a last resort, when other means of collection have been ineffective.

3. Debts to the government itself

If the employer has debts with government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service, the FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) can also be blocked as a way to settle these obligations.

How can I find out if my FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) is blocked?

Workers can check their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) status through the official website of Caixa Econômica Federal, where they can view their account statement. If there is a court order to freeze the account, this information will be available on the statement.

What to do if your phone is blocked?

If a worker discovers that their FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) is blocked, it is essential to seek legal counsel specializing in labor law. This professional can analyze the case, verify the legality of the blockage, and advise on the necessary steps to take.

Protecting your rights

Although the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) is a worker's right, in some specific situations it can be judicially blocked to guarantee the fulfillment of outstanding obligations. It is essential that workers are aware of their rights, regularly monitor their statements, and seek legal advice if they identify any undue blocking.

Ultimately, understanding the circumstances under which FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) can be judicially blocked is crucial to ensuring that workers can protect their financial rights and seek justice when necessary.

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February 12, 2024