FGTS Calculator: How to Calculate Your Balance and Withdraw
Learn how to calculate your FGTS balance, withdrawal options, and use our calculator to project your severance fund. Complete guide with examples.
The Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço (FGTS - severance fund) is a fundamental right of Brazilian workers that functions as a financial reserve for specific moments in professional life. Every worker with a signed work permit is entitled to monthly deposits of 8% of gross salary made by the employer.
Understanding how to calculate your balance and when you can withdraw is essential for financial planning. FGTS can be your largest emergency reserve or the amount that will make buying your own home possible.
FGTS: fundamental concepts
What is FGTS
FGTS is an account linked to your employment contract, not to your CPF. This means that each job generates a separate account, even if you work at different companies throughout your career.
The fund was created in 1966 to protect workers dismissed without just cause. It functions as forced savings that earns monetary correction plus 3% interest per year.
How deposits work
The employer must deposit monthly 8% of your gross salary by the 7th of the following month. For apprenticeship contracts, the percentage is 2%.
Deposits apply to:
- Base salary
- Overtime
- Night shift differential
- Commissions
- Bonuses
- 13th salary
- Vacation pay (including constitutional 1/3)
Example: Salary of R$ 4,000 → monthly deposit of R$ 320 to FGTS
FGTS withdrawal options
Termination withdrawal
This is the most common option, released when you are dismissed without just cause. In this case, you can withdraw:
- The entire balance of the linked account
- 40% penalty on the balance (paid by the employer)
Withdrawal is also permitted in other termination situations:
- Retirement
- Death of the worker
- Mutual agreement termination (50% of balance + 20% of penalty)
Emergency withdrawal
Created during the pandemic, allows withdrawal of up to R$ 1,045 per linked account in public calamity situations. This amount is updated according to government decrees.
Emergency withdrawal doesn’t require specific justification and can be used freely by the worker.
Birthday withdrawal
Optional option that allows withdrawing part of the balance every year in your birthday month. Percentages vary according to balance:
| Balance Range | Percentage | Additional Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Up to R$ 500 | 50% | - |
| R$ 500.01 to R$ 1,000 | 40% | R$ 50 |
| R$ 1,000.01 to R$ 5,000 | 30% | R$ 150 |
| R$ 5,000.01 to R$ 10,000 | 20% | R$ 650 |
| R$ 10,000.01 to R$ 15,000 | 15% | R$ 1,150 |
| R$ 15,000.01 to R$ 20,000 | 10% | R$ 1,900 |
| Above R$ 20,000 | 5% | R$ 2,900 |
⚠️ Important: Those who choose birthday withdrawal lose the right to total withdrawal in case of dismissal without just cause.
How to calculate your balance
Monthly deposits
To calculate how much your employer should deposit monthly, use the formula: FGTS Deposit = Gross salary × 8%
Our FGTS Calculator automates this calculation and projects your future balance considering monetary correction and interest.
Monetary correction
The FGTS balance is corrected monthly by the TR index (Reference Rate) + 3% per year. Although TR has been close to zero since 2017, the 3% annually guarantees minimum returns.
Interest capitalization is monthly, calculated on the corrected balance. Therefore, the longer the work period, the greater the effect of compound interest.
Value simulations
Examples by work time
See FGTS balance projections for different salary and time scenarios:
Example 1: Salary R$ 3,000, working 5 years
- Deposits: R$ 240/month × 60 months = R$ 14,400
- Estimated corrected balance: R$ 16,200
Example 2: Salary R$ 5,000, working 10 years
- Deposits: R$ 400/month × 120 months = R$ 48,000
- Estimated corrected balance: R$ 58,500
Example 3: Salary R$ 8,000, working 15 years
- Deposits: R$ 640/month × 180 months = R$ 115,200
- Estimated corrected balance: R$ 155,000
Retirement projection
A worker who contributes for 35 years with an average salary of R$ 4,000 can accumulate approximately R$ 280,000 in FGTS, considering correction and interest.
Use our calculator to simulate your specific scenario and better plan your finances.
How to check and withdraw
Balance inquiry
You can check your FGTS balance through:
- FGTS app (Caixa Econômica Federal)
- Caixa Internet Banking
- ATMs
- Caixa branches
- Caixa Econômica Federal website
Required documents for withdrawal
For any withdrawal option, you need:
- Photo ID
- CPF
- Work permit
- Termination agreement (when applicable)
- Proof of residence
Withdrawal deadline
Termination withdrawal should be available within 5 business days after termination approval. For other options, the deadline is immediate after request approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out how much FGTS I have without going to Caixa?
Download the “FGTS” app from Caixa Econômica Federal on your phone. Register with your CPF and create a password. The app shows all your linked accounts and updated balance in real time.
Can I withdraw FGTS to buy my own house?
Yes. FGTS can be used as a down payment for buying your first property, to pay down a mortgage, or to settle overdue installments. The property must be in the Housing Finance System (SFH) and you cannot own another property.
What happens to my FGTS if I’m dismissed for just cause?
In dismissal for just cause, you have no right to withdraw FGTS or the 40% penalty. The balance remains in the account and can only be withdrawn in other situations provided by law, such as retirement.
How long after termination can I withdraw FGTS?
The deadline is up to 5 business days after termination approval. If the amount is not available, contact the company’s human resources department or Caixa Econômica Federal to check for pending issues.
Is it worth joining the birthday withdrawal?
It depends on your profile. Birthday withdrawal is advantageous if you want annual liquidity and don’t plan to be dismissed. However, you lose the right to total withdrawal in dismissals without just cause, keeping only the 40% penalty.
How do I calculate the 40% FGTS penalty?
The penalty is calculated on the total balance of the linked account at the time of dismissal. For example: if you have R$ 10,000 in FGTS, the penalty will be R$ 4,000. This penalty is paid by the employer, not deducted from your balance.
Can I use FGTS to pay off debts or invest?
FGTS can only be withdrawn in situations provided by law. It’s not possible to withdraw for common debts, investments, or personal expenses. The only exceptions are specific cases such as property purchase, retirement, serious illnesses, or dismissal without just cause.