FGTS Calculator 2025: How to Calculate and Withdraw
Complete FGTS guide: calculation, withdrawal rules, balance inquiry. Use our calculator to simulate scenarios and plan your finances.
FGTS (Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço - severance fund) is a fundamental right for Brazilian workers that functions as forced savings. Understanding how to calculate your balance and withdrawal rules is essential for planning your finances in 2025.
The FGTS calculator makes this calculation easier, allowing you to simulate different scenarios and accumulated values over time.
What is FGTS
FGTS is a fund created in 1966 to protect workers dismissed without just cause. It functions as an emergency reserve deposited monthly by the employer.
How It Works
The employer deposits 8% of gross salary into a linked account for the worker at Caixa Econômica Federal. This amount is not deducted from salary — it’s an additional company cost.
The money remains blocked in the account until the worker qualifies for one of the withdrawal modalities provided by law.
Monthly Deposits
Deposits follow a specific calendar:
- Due date: by the 7th of each month
- Amount: 8% of the previous month’s compensation
- Applies to: salary + overtime + commissions + bonuses
Example: R$ 3,000 salary + R$ 500 overtime = R$ 3,500 base × 8% = R$ 280 FGTS deposit
How to Calculate FGTS
FGTS calculation is straightforward: 8% of monthly gross compensation. But some details make a difference in the final amount.
Calculation Base
The base includes all values that integrate salary:
- Fixed salary
- Overtime (50% or 100%)
- Commissions and bonuses
- Night shift differential
- Hazard/unhealthy work bonus
- 13th salary (deposited in two installments)
8% Rate
The rate is fixed for CLT (labor law) contracts. Some special categories have different rules:
| Contract Type | FGTS Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard CLT | 8% |
| Minor apprentice | 2% |
| Temporary contract | 8% |
| Domestic worker | 8% |
Practical Example
Let’s calculate FGTS for a worker with different salary components:
Scenario: R$ 2,500 salary + R$ 300 night differential + R$ 400 overtime
Calculation base: R$ 2,500 + R$ 300 + R$ 400 = R$ 3,200
Monthly FGTS: R$ 3,200 × 8% = R$ 256
FGTS Balance
The balance grows with monthly deposits and returns. In 2025, the FGTS account has fixed profitability defined by law.
Returns
FGTS earns:
- 3% annually in interest
- TR (Reference Rate) as monetary correction
- Additional profit distribution (when available)
Total profitability usually stays between 3% and 4% annually, lower than savings accounts and other investments.
Monetary Correction
TR has been close to zero in recent years. This means FGTS barely preserves purchasing power against inflation.
| Year | Average TR | IPCA (Inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0.17% | 4.62% |
| 2024 | 0.15% | 4.50% |
When to Withdraw FGTS
There are several situations that allow FGTS withdrawal. Knowing these modalities helps with financial planning.
Withdrawal Modalities
The main withdrawal forms in 2025:
- Dismissal without just cause (full balance + 40% penalty)
- Retirement (full balance)
- Home purchase (as down payment or amortization)
- Serious illnesses (worker or dependent)
- Inactive account for 3+ years (extinct companies)
Emergency Withdrawal
Birthday withdrawal allows withdrawing part of the balance annually in the 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 |
| Above R$ 20,000 | 5% | R$ 2,900 |
Dismissal Without Just Cause
This is the most common modality. The worker receives:
- 100% of account balance
- 40% penalty on the balance
- Prior notice deposited by employer
Example: R$ 15,000 balance → R$ 15,000 withdrawal + R$ 6,000 penalty = Total R$ 21,000
How to Check Balance
There are several ways to track your FGTS balance in 2025. Regular checking helps identify deposit problems.
FGTS App
Caixa’s official app offers:
- Real-time updated balance
- Detailed statement by company
- Birthday withdrawal simulator
- Withdrawal scheduling
Online Statement
Alternatives for checking:
- Caixa website (with gov.br login)
- Internet banking (Caixa customers)
- SMS (free registration)
- Self-service terminals
Monthly checking helps verify if deposits are being made correctly by the employer.
FGTS Calculator
Our FGTS calculator allows simulating different scenarios and projecting balance growth over time.
Calculator Features
The tool calculates:
- Monthly deposits based on salary
- Balance projection for future periods
- Withdrawal amount in dismissal (with penalty)
- Accumulated returns over time
How to Use
To use the calculator effectively:
- Enter your current gross salary
- Add regular overtime and bonuses
- Define the projection period
- Analyze withdrawal scenarios
Tip: Use the calculator to compare birthday withdrawal with traditional severance withdrawal
The tool is especially useful for:
- Home purchase planning
- Birthday withdrawal decision
- Monthly deposit control
- Retirement projection
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the employer deposit in FGTS monthly?
The employer deposits 8% of gross salary into the worker’s FGTS account. This amount is not deducted from salary — it’s an additional company cost paid by the 7th of the following month.
How to check FGTS balance for free?
Use Caixa’s FGTS app, access the official website with gov.br login, or register for SMS FGTS to receive free statements. All these options are official and secure.
Can I withdraw FGTS to pay off home financing?
Yes, FGTS can be used to amortize financing for your own home, reduce installments, or pay off the outstanding balance. You must meet criteria such as not owning another property and being in the FGTS system for 3+ years.
Which earns more: FGTS or savings account?
Savings account normally earns more than FGTS. While FGTS earns about 3-4% annually, savings earn 70% of Selic rate when it’s above 8.5% annually, or TR + 0.5% when lower.
What happens to FGTS from a company that closed?
Accounts from extinct companies become inactive but are not lost. After 3 years of inactivity, the worker can withdraw the full amount. Check balance through Caixa’s app or website.
Is it worth joining birthday withdrawal?
It depends on your profile. Birthday withdrawal is advantageous for those not planning to be dismissed and wanting to use money for investing or paying off debts. However, you lose the right to full withdrawal in dismissal without just cause.
Does FGTS apply to 13th salary and vacation?
Yes, the employer must deposit 8% on 13th salary (normally in two installments) and on constitutional third of vacation. These amounts significantly increase the annual FGTS balance.