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Progressive reduction in income limit alters access to benefit paid by PIS/Pasep, impacts millions of Brazilians and redefines income distribution policy until the end of the decade
The wage bonus, one of the main benefits aimed at low-income workers in Brazil, is about to undergo significant changes that are expected to impact millions of people in the coming years. The information was released by “Jornal Nacional,” based on official federal government data, which indicate a gradual restructuring of the program’s access rules until 2030.
Currently, the wage bonus functions as an annual payment intended for workers registered with PIS/Pasep for at least five years. The benefit amount is proportional to the time worked during the base year, potentially reaching the equivalent of one minimum wage. The funds used for payment come directly from the Worker Support Fund (FAT), which finances public policies aimed at employment and income.
However, despite its social importance, the program will undergo changes that are expected to significantly reduce the number of beneficiaries over time.
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Reduction in income ceiling changes wage bonus rules
The main change is related to the income ceiling required to access the benefit. Until now, workers with an average income of up to two minimum wages were entitled to the wage bonus. However, with the new rules, this limit will no longer be fixed at that level.
From now on, the income ceiling will undergo a gradual reduction. Furthermore, it will only be adjusted for inflation, which, in practice, diminishes the power of access to the benefit over the years.
In 2026, for example, those who received, in 2024, an average monthly income of up to R$ 2,765.93 — equivalent to 1.96 minimum wages — will be entitled to the wage bonus. However, this limit will continue to fall progressively.
By 2027, the benefit will only be paid to workers with an income of up to 1.89 minimum wages. This process will continue until the ceiling is reduced to one and a half minimum wages in 2035.
Thus, what was once a broader benefit will become increasingly restricted, reaching a smaller audience over time.
More than 4.5 million workers are expected to lose the benefit by 2030
As a direct consequence of this change, the impact on the number of beneficiaries will be significant. According to estimates from the Ministry of Labor, more than 559,000 workers will stop receiving the wage bonus this year.
Furthermore, in 2027, another 1.58 million people are also expected to be excluded from the program. In other words, the reduction does not happen at a single point, but rather cumulatively and progressively.
According to government calculations, by 2030, more than 4.5 million workers will no longer have access to the benefit. This number represents a significant transformation in income distribution policy aimed at the base of the economic pyramid.
Meanwhile, the fiscal impact also draws attention. Official projections indicate that the changes are expected to generate accumulated savings of almost R$ 25 billion by the end of the decade.
R$ 25 Billion Savings and Effects on the Labor Market
On the one hand, the government argues that the measure is necessary to balance public accounts and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. On the other hand, specialists warn of the possible social effects of this decision.
This is because the wage bonus represents an important source of income for millions of workers, especially those in lower salary brackets. With reduced access, part of this population may feel direct impacts on their family budget.
Furthermore, the change also raises discussions about the role of public income transfer policies in Brazil. While the government seeks to reduce spending, the debate grows on how to maintain social protection in an still challenging economic scenario.
Therefore, in light of these transformations, it becomes essential for workers to keep up with the new rules and understand how they may affect their right to the benefit in the coming years.
Do you believe this change in the salary bonus is necessary to balance public accounts, or does it harm those who need it most?
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