The Service Time Guarantee Fund (FGTS) is a labor right guaranteed to Brazilian workers with a formal contract.

This fund was created with the aim of protecting workers in situations such as unfair dismissal, retirement, purchasing their own home, serious illnesses, among other specific circumstances.

How FGTS Works:

The FGTS is made up of monthly deposits made by the employer, equivalent to 8% of the employee's salary, into an account linked to the worker at Caixa Econômica Federal.

These amounts are not deducted from the worker's salary, being a type of compulsory savings to guarantee their financial security at critical moments.

FGTS redemption:

There are several situations in which the worker can redeem the FGTS. The main ones are:

1. Dismissal without Just Cause: If the worker is fired without just cause, he has the right to withdraw the full balance of his account linked to the FGTS.
2. Retirement: When the worker retires, he can withdraw the FGTS accumulated throughout his professional life.
3. Buying your own home: It is possible to use the FGTS balance to make a down payment on the purchase of your own home, amortizing or paying off the housing loan.
4. Serious diseases: In cases of diagnosis of serious illnesses, the worker or their dependents may request a withdrawal from the FGTS.
5. Termination by Mutual Agreement: If there is a mutual agreement between employee and employer to terminate the employment contract, it is possible to withdraw part of the FGTS.

How to Consult and Redeem the FGTS Balance: Step by Step

1. Access to the Caixa website:
   • Open your internet browser and access the official Caixa Econômica Federal website: https://www.caixa.gov.br/.
2. User Identification:
   • Click “Login” in the top right corner of the page.
   • Enter your CPF and click on “Register/Forgot Password”.
3. Registration or Password Recovery:
   • Follow the instructions to register a password or recover your password if you already have one.
4. Access to the FGTS Account:
   • After logging in, go to the “FGTS” option in the main menu.
5. Balance Inquiry:
   • In the FGTS area, you will find information about your balance and statement. Click on the desired option to check your updated balance.
6. Query Options:
   • It is possible to check the FGTS balance via the Caixa Trabalhador app, available for smartphones, or at Caixa Econômica Federal self-service terminals.

FGTS redemption:

1. Dismissal without Just Cause:
   • In case of unfair dismissal, the employer informs Caixa, and the worker can withdraw the available balance.
2. Access the Website or App:
   • If you are entitled to other types of withdrawals, access the Caixa website or the application, go to the withdrawal option and follow the instructions.
3. Required Documentation:
   • For specific withdrawals, have documents on hand that prove the condition, such as a medical certificate, proof of retirement or purchase and sale contract.
4. Service Locations:
   • Withdrawals can be made at self-service terminals, Caixa branches or lottery outlets.
5. Redemption for Buying Your Own Home:
   • If you are going to use the FGTS to buy your own home, find out about the necessary documents from the financial institution responsible for financing.

Remember that withdrawal rules may change, so it is always recommended to check updated information on the official Caixa Econômica Federal website or seek guidance at an agency.