The Salary Bonus is one of the most anticipated benefits for low-income formal workers in Brazil. With an amount equivalent to up to a minimum wage, it can be a significant relief for many Brazilians, especially in times of economic crisis and financial instability.
For 2024, the rules for receiving the Salary Bonus remain in effect, but it is essential to understand how it works, who is entitled to it and how to guarantee this benefit. In this post, we will cover all of these points in detail so that you can make the most of this right.
What is the Salary Bonus?
The Salary Bonus is a benefit intended for formal workers enrolled in the PIS (Social Integration Program) or PASEP (Public Servant Asset Formation Program) for at least five years. It functions as a type of 14th salary for those who meet the conditions established by law. This benefit is paid annually and the amount may vary according to the worker's length of service in the base year considered for the calculation.
Who is entitled to the Salary Bonus?
To receive the Salary Bonus in 2024, the worker must meet some basic requirements. They are:
- PIS/PASEP registration: The worker must have been registered with PIS or PASEP for at least five years.
- Average Income: The worker must have received, on average, up to two monthly minimum wages during the base year 2023.
- Paid Activity: It is necessary to have carried out paid activity for a Legal Entity for at least 30 days in the base year 2023. These 30 days do not need to be consecutive.
- Correct Information in RAIS: The employer must have correctly informed the employee's data in the RAIS (Annual Social Information Report), which is the document used by the government to verify compliance with the requirements for receiving the Salary Bonus.
How do you know if you are entitled to a salary bonus?
The first step to finding out if you are entitled to the Salary Bonus is to check whether you meet the requirements mentioned above. If you meet all of them, it is important to check whether your name is on the list of beneficiaries. This check can be done in several ways:
- Caixa Trabalhador application: If you are registered with PIS, you can check whether you are entitled to the Salary Bonus directly through the Caixa Trabalhador app, available for download on smartphones.
- Banco do Brasil App: For public servants who are registered with PASEP, verification can be done through the Banco do Brasil app.
- Caixa Econômica Federal website: Another option for those registered with PIS is to access the Caixa website and check their status. Simply enter your PIS number and registered password to access the information.
- Customer Service Center: Both Caixa Econômica Federal and Banco do Brasil provide telephone numbers so that workers can ask questions and check whether they are entitled to the Salary Bonus.
Salary Bonus Payment Calendar 2024
The payment schedule for the Salary Bonus is set annually by the government and takes into account the worker's month of birth (in the case of PIS) or the final registration number (in the case of PASEP). For 2024, the payment schedule should be released at the end of 2023, with the start scheduled for January 2024.
It is important to pay attention to these dates, as payments are not made all at once to all workers. Each group has a specific period to receive the benefit, and it is essential that you know what yours is so that you do not miss the deadline.
How to Receive the Salary Bonus?
The Salary Bonus can be received in different ways, depending on how the worker is registered in the system.
- Credit in Account: For those who already have an account at Caixa Econômica Federal (PIS) or Banco do Brasil (PASEP), the amount can be credited directly to the account.
- Withdrawals at Branches: Anyone who does not have an account at any of the banks can withdraw the benefit directly at a Caixa or Banco do Brasil branch, presenting an official document with a photo.
- Lottery shops and Caixa Aqui correspondents: Another way to receive the Salary Bonus is through lottery houses or Caixa Aqui correspondents, upon presentation of the Citizen Card and password.
What should I do if I do not receive the Salary Bonus?
If you meet all the requirements and still have not received the Salary Bonus, it is important to take some steps:
- Check the RAIS: The first step is to check whether your data was entered correctly in the RAIS by your employer. Errors or omissions in this document may prevent payment of the benefit.
- Look for your company's HR: Contact your company's human resources department to confirm that all information was submitted correctly.
- Contact Caixa or Banco do Brasil: If there are no problems with RAIS, contact Caixa Econômica Federal (for those registered with PIS) or Banco do Brasil (for those registered with PASEP) directly to check what may have happened.
- Ministry of Labor: As a last resort, if the problem is not resolved, go to a unit of the Ministry of Labor to file a complaint and request a review of your case.
Final considerations
The Salary Bonus is an important right for millions of Brazilian workers and can represent essential financial support. To ensure that you receive the benefit in 2024, it is crucial to be aware of the requirements, deadlines and forms of receipt. Check your information regularly and, if you have any questions, seek help as soon as possible. With all the information up to date, you can ensure that this resource reaches you at the right time, helping to balance your finances and providing greater peace of mind throughout the year.