FGTS Calculation Guide: Check Balance and Withdrawals
Complete guide on calculating FGTS by work period, checking balance, and understanding withdrawal rules. Use our calculator for accurate estimates.
The FGTS (Severance Guarantee Fund) is a fundamental right of every Brazilian worker with a formal employment contract. Knowing the accumulated amount and understanding how to calculate it correctly can help with financial planning and making important decisions.
This complete guide shows how to calculate FGTS by time worked, check the balance, and understand when withdrawals are possible.
What is FGTS
FGTS functions as mandatory savings created to protect workers in specific situations. Every month, the employer deposits 8% of the gross salary into a linked account in the employee’s name.
How deposits work
The employer has until the 7th of each month to make the deposit for the previous month. For example:
- March salary: deposit by April 7th
- December salary: deposit by January 7th of the following year
Percentage of salary
The deposit percentage varies according to contract type:
- CLT (Labor Law) worker: 8% of gross salary
- Domestic worker: 8% of gross salary
- Apprenticeship contract: 2% of gross salary
- Rural worker: 8% of gross salary
Example: Salary of R$ 3,500.00 → monthly deposit of R$ 280.00 (R$ 3,500 × 8%)
FGTS calculation by period
Monthly deposits
To calculate the total deposited amount, multiply the salary by months worked:
Basic formula: (Salary × 0.08) × Number of months
Example: Worker with fixed salary of R$ 2,500 for 24 months → (R$ 2,500 × 8%) × 24 = R$ 4,800
Earnings and correction
FGTS earns 3% per year + TR (Reference Rate). The correction is applied monthly on the account balance.
For 2026, TR is at zero, so the effective yield is approximately 0.25% per month (3% ÷ 12 months).
| Time | Deposits | Estimated Earnings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | R$ 2,400 | R$ 36 | R$ 2,436 |
| 3 years | R$ 7,200 | R$ 324 | R$ 7,524 |
| 5 years | R$ 12,000 | R$ 900 | R$ 12,900 |
*Based on fixed salary of R$ 2,500
Use our FGTS calculator to simulate different scenarios with salary variations and specific periods.
Calculation with salary increases
When there are increases during the period, add the deposits from each phase:
Example:
- 12 months with R$ 2,500 = R$ 2,400 in deposits
- 12 months with R$ 3,000 = R$ 2,880 in deposits
- Total: R$ 5,280 + earnings
How to check balance
FGTS App
The official FGTS app is the most practical way to check:
- Free download on App Store or Google Play
- Access with CPF and Gov.br password
- Check balance, statements, and transactions
- Request withdrawal directly through the app
Caixa Econômica Federal
Other ways to check include:
- Caixa Internet Banking
- Self-service terminals
- Caixa branches (with ID document)
- SMS 28080 (send “SAL” + CPF)
Information available in consultation
- Current balance of each account (by company)
- History of monthly deposits
- Credited earnings
- Withdrawal transactions
- Forecast of new deposits
When can I withdraw
Withdrawal modalities
FGTS can be withdrawn in the following situations:
- Dismissal without just cause
- Retirement
- Home purchase (first acquisition)
- Serious illnesses (cancer, AIDS, etc.)
- Natural disasters
- Birthday withdrawal (annual percentage)
Birthday withdrawal vs termination withdrawal
| Modality | When to withdraw | Available amount |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday withdrawal | Every year in birth month | 5% to 50% of balance |
| Termination withdrawal | Dismissal without just cause | 100% + 40% penalty |
Attention: Those who opt for birthday withdrawal lose the right to full withdrawal upon dismissal.
Required documents
To request withdrawal, you need:
- ID document (RG or driver’s license)
- CPF
- Address proof (maximum 3 months old)
- Work permit or specific documents for the modality
Practical simulation
Let’s calculate the FGTS of a professional who worked 36 months under the following conditions:
Salary history:
- 12 months: R$ 2,200
- 12 months: R$ 2,500
- 12 months: R$ 2,800
Deposit calculation
- First year: R$ 2,200 × 8% × 12 = R$ 2,112
- Second year: R$ 2,500 × 8% × 12 = R$ 2,400
- Third year: R$ 2,800 × 8% × 12 = R$ 2,688
Total deposited: R$ 7,200
Estimated earnings
With 3% annual correction on average balance:
- Accumulated earnings: approximately R$ 324
- Final balance: R$ 7,524
Important: This is a simplified calculation. The actual amount may vary due to TR and specific deposit dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to calculate FGTS accurately?
Accurate calculation considers all monthly salaries, deposit dates, and monetary correction applied month by month. Use our FGTS calculator to get exact amounts based on your salary history.
What happens to FGTS if I’m dismissed for just cause?
In dismissal for just cause, you have no right to FGTS withdrawal or the 40% penalty. The money remains in the account and can only be withdrawn under other legal modalities.
Is it possible to withdraw FGTS to pay off financing?
Yes, FGTS can be used to amortize or pay off housing financing. The amount can be applied to reduce installments, decrease term, or fully pay off the outstanding balance of your own home.
How does FGTS yield compare to savings accounts?
FGTS earns 3% per year + TR, while savings accounts earn 0.5% per month + TR (when Selic is above 8.5%). In 2026, with Selic around 12%, savings accounts earn more than FGTS.
Can I transfer FGTS from one company to another?
Transfer is not possible. Each employment relationship generates a separate FGTS account. When you change jobs, the previous account becomes “inactive” and the new company opens a new account for deposits.
What’s the difference between active and inactive FGTS?
Active FGTS receives monthly deposits from the current company. Inactive FGTS are accounts from previous jobs that no longer receive deposits but continue earning 3% per year + TR.
Can the employer delay FGTS deposits?
Deposits must be made by the 7th of each month. Delays generate a 10% fine on the amount due, monetary correction, and interest. Workers can report to the Ministry of Labor or seek their rights in court.