Brazil Publishes 2026 Benefit Calendars, Releases R$7.8 Billion in FGTS

Overview

• Bolsa Família’s 2026 calendar is out, with deposits starting on January 19 and running in the last ten working days each month by NIS final digit, covering about 19 million families with a minimum of R$600 per household.
• The government issued a provisional measure unlocking R$7.8 billion in FGTS balances withheld under the saque‑aniversário for roughly 14.1 million workers dismissed between January 2020 and December 23, 2025.
• FGTS payments will occur in two tranches—up to R$1,800 by December 30, 2025, and the remainder by February 12, 2026—with 87% receiving automatic credits via the FGTS app and possible offsets where balances back bank loans.
• INSS began paying December benefits on December 22 for those who receive up to one minimum wage, while beneficiaries above the minimum will have the December competence credited from January 2 to 8, 2026 by final card digit.
• The Labour Ministry reports 141,628 workers still have R$145.8 million in unclaimed 2025 PIS/Pasep with a December 29 deadline, as Codefat approved R$33.5 billion for the 2026 abono set to begin on February 15 for about 26.9 million workers.