FGTS 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The Severance Pay Guarantee Fund (FGTS) is a right of Brazilian workers created to guarantee a financial reserve in specific cases, such as unfair dismissal, home purchase and retirement. Basically, it works as a forced savings account, where the employer deposits an amount equivalent to 8% of the employee's salary into an account linked to Caixa Econômica Federal.
The FGTS is one of the country's main labor guarantees and plays a crucial role in the economy, helping not only workers but also promoting sectors such as housing and infrastructure.
With the arrival of 2025, some changes have been implemented in the FGTS to make it more accessible and advantageous for workers. The new rules include changes to the anniversary withdrawal, adjustments to the fund's yield and new possibilities for withdrawing the balance in certain situations.
The FGTS is a benefit intended for workers with a formal employment contract, including:
Furthermore, some specific categories, such as interns and self-employed workers without an employment relationship, are not entitled to the fund.
One of the main new features for 2025 is the expansion of withdrawal options, making the fund more accessible to workers in times of need.
The government also announced changes to the FGTS yield, aiming to make it more attractive compared to other forms of investment, such as savings.
Labor reform continues to impact workers' rights, and the FGTS is no exception. In 2025, some changes to withdrawal rules and contribution modalities were implemented to balance the fund's accounts.
Traditional method where the worker can withdraw the FGTS balance in the event of unfair dismissal.
It allows the worker to withdraw part of the FGTS balance annually in the month of his/her birthday, but prevents the full withdrawal in the event of dismissal.
Available to workers living in areas affected by natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
Workers can use their FGTS balance to make a down payment or pay off installments on a property.
In cases of serious illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, the worker can request to withdraw FGTS to cover the cost of treatment.
Caixa Econômica Federal publishes the FGTS withdrawal schedule annually. For 2025, workers should pay attention to the payment dates according to their chosen withdrawal methods.
The FGTS app allows workers to check their balance, request withdrawals and track deposits made by employers.
Caixa's official website offers a portal for detailed consultation of the FGTS, allowing you to check statements and access information about withdrawals.
Those who prefer in-person service can check their balance directly at a Caixa branch or by phone on 111.
Currently, self-employed workers are not entitled to FGTS. However, there are discussions about the possibility of an optional contribution for those who wish to create a similar financial reserve.
With the possibility of higher returns in 2025, the FGTS may be an interesting alternative for those seeking financial security. However, it still loses out to other options such as CDBs and Tesouro Direto in terms of profitability.
With the rise of digitalization, scams involving the FGTS have increased. Be aware of:
The FGTS continues to be an important financial security tool for Brazilian workers. With the changes for 2025, it is essential to understand the new rules and use the balance in the best possible way. Stay tuned for news and always consult official sources to avoid scams and inconveniences.
