No, the PIS It's not going away, but it's undergoing some significant changes. These changes have raised many questions among Brazilian workers, particularly about how this might affect their rights and benefits.
Therefore, it is important to understand what is really happening with the Social Integration Program (PIS), who will still be entitled to it, and what changes in the new rules.
What is PIS and why does it exist?
The Social Integration Program (PIS) was created to promote the integration of private-sector workers into the development of companies. The benefit, typically paid annually, is a type of salary bonus, based on the worker's length of service and salary.
When PIS was established, it was very important as a way to guarantee extra income for workers with formal contracts, which was especially helpful on festive dates, such as Christmas.
Over the years, the PIS (Social Integration Program) has been reformulated and changed, but always with a focus on benefiting lower-wage workers. However, recently, much speculation has arisen about the end of the PIS and the impact of these changes on workers.
Recent changes to PIS
In recent years, changes to the PIS (Social Security Institute) have become more evident, with the main change being the replacement of PIS with the salary bonus paid by Caixa Econômica Federal. This change reflects a restructuring of benefits and the government's attempt to modernize and streamline the processes involved in paying workers' compensation benefits.
The main change that could cause confusion is that PIS is no longer paid as an individual benefit and is now administered differently, including integration with the Public Servant's Asset Formation Program (PASEP). In other words, what was once a direct incentive for workers now has more centralized and streamlined administration.
What will change for workers?
Now that the PIS has been restructured, many are wondering: what will change in practice for those eligible for the benefit? The good news is that, despite the restructuring, many of the rules remain the same. Workers are still entitled to the salary bonus, as long as they meet certain requirements.
One important change is the way payments are made. Previously, PIS payments were made individually, and the amount varied according to the worker's length of service and salary.
Now, with the new rules, the payment of the salary bonus is more standardized, and transfers of funds are made more efficiently, which ensures that workers receive what they are owed without so much bureaucracy.
What are the new payment rules?
The federal government determined that the payment of the salary bonus would be made in a more simplified manner, but this also means that the process of consulting and updating data has become more digital.
Now, workers can check their status directly through the Caixa Econômica Federal website, which streamlines the process and avoids lines and crowds. Another important change is that, instead of paying bonuses with different amounts, the government has adopted a fixed benefit amount. This amount can be adjusted according to the worker's salary and length of service, but in a more objective and less confusing way.
Who will continue to receive?
The good news is that, even with the changes, workers can still be entitled to PIS, as long as they meet the following criteria:
- Be formally registered: The worker must have a signed work card, that is, have an employment relationship with a private company.
- Have received up to two minimum wages: The salary bonus continues to be intended for those who received an average of up to two minimum wages throughout the year.
- Have worked at least 30 days in the base year: For a worker to be entitled to the salary bonus, he must have worked at least 30 days in the base year.
- Be registered with PIS for at least 5 years: The worker must have registered with PIS in advance so that he or she is regularized in the system.
If the worker meets these criteria, he or she will still be entitled to the salary bonus, which can be withdrawn during the following year, according to the established payment schedule.
As we've seen, the PIS is not being phased out, but rather reformulated. The salary bonus continues to be one of the most important forms of support for low-income workers in Brazil.
The new rules and centralization of the program aim to streamline processes and ensure more efficient and accessible payments. So, don't worry: PIS isn't ending, but the new rules require you to be vigilant so you don't miss out on any benefits.
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February 18, 2025
Graduated in Literature – Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful Writer, seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on a variety of topics, as a writer. At Vaga de Emprego RJ, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.