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The New Proposal of the Lula Government Could Drastically Change the Salary Bonus, Reducing Beneficiaries and Generating Billion-Dollar Savings. The Measure Aims to Relieve the Public Budget, but Divides Opinions.
One of the most anticipated benefits for Brazilian workers may be about to undergo significant changes.
The proposal from the federal government promises to change the rules of the salary bonus, an annual aid that benefits millions of people across the country.
But what exactly is at stake? The answer involves financial impacts, budget adjustments, and a transition schedule that could redefine who will be entitled to the benefit in the coming decades.
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What Changes in the Salary Bonus
The proposal sent by the federal government to the National Congress suggests a change in the income range for accessing the salary bonus.
Currently, the benefit is granted to workers who earn up to two minimum wages per month. According to the text presented, this limit will be gradually reduced until it reaches one and a half minimum wage by 2035.
Currently, the value of the benefit can reach up to one minimum wage per year, varying based on the period worked in the base year.
To be entitled to the bonus, the worker must have worked for at least 30 days in the year, be registered in the PIS (Social Integration Program) or Pasep (Public Server Heritage Formation Program) and receive an average monthly remuneration that meets the established criteria.
According to the proposal, the transition rule will be implemented progressively, reducing the salary cap to the following values:
- 2026: 1.95 minimum wage;
- 2027: 1.9 minimum wage;
- 2028: 1.85 minimum wage;
- 2029: 1.8 minimum wage;
- 2030: 1.75 minimum wage;
- 2035: 1.5 minimum wage.
Reasons for the Change
According to the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, the salary bonus has lost some of its relevance due to the creation of broader social programs in recent years.
“As the minimum wage will rise above inflation, this amount will gradually converge to one and a half minimum wage over the years,” Haddad stated, explaining that the change seeks to adjust the benefit to the new economic and social realities.
Additionally, the proposal aims to reduce public spending on the program, which rose from R$ 25.6 billion in 2023 to R$ 28 billion in 2024.
The expectation is that costs will exceed R$ 30 billion in 2025, if no changes are made. The government estimates that the changes will generate R$ 18.1 billion in savings by 2030.
How Will the Calculation Be Made?
The change in the salary bonus will not affect payments immediately. The benefit will continue to be calculated based on the minimum wage from two years prior to the payment.
For example, the amounts paid in 2024 correspond to the minimum wage of 2022, set at R$ 1,212, while those of 2025 will use the value of 2023, which was R$ 1,320.
According to the new proposal, the cap of R$ 2,640 will be used as a base for the coming years, with updates for inflation.
On the other hand, the minimum wage will receive higher adjustments, of up to 2.5% above inflation. This difference will cause, over the years, fewer workers to meet the criteria to receive the benefit.
Impacts on Workers
The change in the salary bonus divides opinions.
According to experts, the reduction in the number of beneficiaries may relieve the public budget, but it also raises concerns about the loss of an important source of income supplementation for millions of workers.
The proposal still needs to be approved by the National Congress to come into effect.
Meanwhile, workers and labor unions are monitoring the debate, which promises to significantly influence the 2026 elections, the year in which the new rule will take effect if approved.
Realmente não aceito esse corte que mais uma vez só atinge o povo por um governo tirano e injusto em todos aspectos.