THE Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS) FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund) is a financial reserve created to protect workers in cases of dismissal without just cause. However, many people don't know that it's possible to access these funds even while employed. Did you know that there are several situations in which FGTS withdrawals are permitted without the need to terminate your job? Let's explore these possibilities and understand how you can use this money consciously and advantageously.

What is the FGTS?

Before detailing the withdrawal methods, it's important to understand what FGTS is. Created in 1966, FGTS consists of monthly deposits made by employers into accounts linked to employment contracts. The deposited amount corresponds to 81% of the employee's gross salary and serves as a kind of compulsory savings, intended to support the worker in various situations provided for by law.

Situations in which it is possible to withdraw FGTS funds while employed.

Although withdrawing FGTS funds is commonly associated with dismissal without just cause, Brazilian law provides for other circumstances in which workers can access these funds even while maintaining their employment relationship. Let's look at the main ones:

1. Anniversary Withdrawal

THE Birthday Withdrawal This is a payment method that allows workers to withdraw a portion of their FGTS (Brazilian severance fund) balance annually in the month of their birthday. To opt for this, it is necessary to express interest through the FGTS app or at Caixa Econômica Federal branches. It is important to note that, by opting for the Birthday Withdrawal, the worker waives the right to withdraw the entire fund in case of dismissal without just cause, but retains the right to the severance pay penalty of 40%.

How to sign up for the Birthday Withdrawal:

  1. Access the FGTS appAvailable for Android and iOS, the app allows you to make the selection quickly and securely.
  2. Log inUse your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) and registered password. If this is your first time accessing the system, you will need to complete a brief registration.
  3. Select the “Birthday Withdrawal” option.”Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration.

After confirmation, the withdrawal will be available annually in the month of your birthday, according to the established rules.

2. Acquisition of a Home

The FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) can be used to purchase a home, amortize or settle outstanding debts, and pay part of the installments of a housing loan. To do so, the following requirements must be met:

  • Working timeTo be eligible, you must have at least three years of work under the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) system, whether consecutive or not.
  • PropertyNot owning residential property financed by the Housing Finance System (SFH) anywhere in the national territory.
  • Property locationThe property to be acquired must be located in the municipality where the worker resides or performs their main occupation.

Procedures for using FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to purchase property:

  1. Check the required documentation.This includes personal documents, proof of residence, and property deeds.
  2. Find a financial institution.It could be Caixa Econômica Federal or another institution authorized by the SFH (Brazilian Housing Finance System).
  3. Request the use of your FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund).Submit the required documentation and formalize your request according to the guidelines of your chosen institution.

3. Serious Illnesses

Workers diagnosed with serious illnesses, such as cancer, HIV, or in the terminal stage of other diseases, have the right to withdraw their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) balance. This right also extends when a dependent of the worker is affected by such illnesses.

Steps to request a withdrawal due to serious illness:

  1. Obtain a medical report.It must be issued by a qualified professional, detailing the health condition.
  2. Gather the documentation.This includes personal documents, work permit, and medical report.
  3. Go to a Caixa branch.Present the documents and request the withdrawal.

4. Retirement

Upon retirement, workers are entitled to withdraw their entire FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund). If they continue working for the same company after retirement, they can withdraw the monthly deposits made into the account linked to their new employment contract.

Procedures for withdrawing retirement benefits:

  1. Present the retirement award letter.Issued by the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) or other competent authority.
  2. Bring your personal documents and work permit.To prove the employment relationship.
  3. Request the withdrawal at Caixa.Appointments can be scheduled for your convenience.

5. Public Calamity

In situations of public calamity recognized by the federal government, such as floods or natural disasters affecting the worker's residence, withdrawal from the FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund) is permitted. In these cases, the maximum withdrawal amount is established according to current legislation.

How to proceed in case of a public calamity:

  1. Check the declaration of calamity.Please confirm whether your area of residence has been officially recognized as a public calamity zone.
  2. Gather the necessary documentation.Includes proof of residence and personal documents.
  3. Request a withdrawalThrough the FGTS app or directly at a Caixa branch.

6. Death of the Worker

In the event of the worker's death, dependents or legal heirs are entitled to withdraw the FGTS balance. To do so, it is necessary to present the death certificate and documentation proving their status as a dependent or heir.

Procedures for withdrawing funds due to death:

  1. Obtain the death certificate.This is the essential document to begin the process.
  2. Prove the relationship as a dependent or heir.This can be done through a certificate of dependents from the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) or a judicial inventory.
  3. Please present your personal documents.: National Identity Card (RG), Taxpayer Identification Number (CPF), and proof of residence are required for identification.
  4. Request the withdrawal at Caixa Econômica Federal.The request can be made in person at an agency.

If there is more than one heir, the FGTS balance will be divided according to the current succession rules.

How can I check my FGTS balance?

To find out how much you have available in Guarantee Fund, There are some practical and affordable options:

  1. FGTS Application
    • Download the FGTS app on your mobile phone (available for Android and iOS).
    • Log in using your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) and password for the portal. Gov.br.
    • Check your available balance and withdrawal options.
  2. Caixa Econômica Federal website
    • Access www.caixa.gov.br and go to the worker's area.
    • Enter your information and check your FGTS account.
  3. Telephone 0800 726 0207
    • Call Caixa Econômica Federal and check your balance by providing your CPF (Brazilian individual taxpayer registration number) or PIS/PASEP number (Brazilian social security number).
  4. In-person service
    • Go to a Caixa branch with your personal documents and work permit.

Is it worth withdrawing FGTS funds even if you're employed?

Many people wonder if it's advantageous to withdraw their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) even if they're not unemployed. The answer depends on your goals and your financial situation.

  • Whether it's for investing or paying off debtsThis could be a great strategy, as the FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) only yields interest. 3% per year, well below inflation.
  • If you don't need the money right nowIt may be worthwhile to keep the balance in the FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) as a reserve for emergencies.
  • If it's for property acquisitionUsing FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) for homeownership can be an excellent long-term investment.

Ideally, you should always assess your needs and plan the use of this resource consciously.

Even if you're not unemployed, there are several legal ways to access your [employment benefits]. FGTS, whether by Birthday Withdrawal, This money can be used for purchasing a home, for serious illnesses, or other situations stipulated by law. The most important thing is to stay informed, check your balance regularly, and use that money strategically.

If you're still unsure if you can withdraw your FGTS (Brazilian severance fund), check your balance through the app or website. Federal Savings Bank And see what options are available to you. This way, you can make better use of this financial resource and ensure greater security for your future.

References

  1. Caixa Econômica Federal – FGTS
  2. Gov.br Portal – FGTS Rules

See also: Bolsa Família CANCELED? Learn what to do in this case

February 23, 2025