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The government's new proposal Squid could drastically change the salary bonus, reducing the number of beneficiaries and generating billions in savings. The measure aims to ease the public budget, but it divides opinions.
One of the most anticipated benefits for Brazilian workers may be about to undergo significant changes.
The proposed federal government promises to change the rules for the salary bonus, an annual benefit that benefits millions of people across the country.
But what exactly is at stake? The answer involves financial impacts, budgetary adjustments and a transition schedule that could redefine who will be eligible for the benefit in the coming decades.
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What changes in the salary bonus
The federal government's proposal sent to the National Congress suggests a change in the income bracket for access to the salary bonus.
Currently, the benefit is granted to workers who receive up to two minimum monthly wages. According to the text presented, this limit will be gradually reduced until it reaches one and a half minimum wages in 2035.
Currently, the benefit amount can reach up to a minimum wage per year, varying according to the period worked in the base year.
To be entitled to the benefit, the worker must have worked for at least 30 days in the year, be registered with the PIS (Social Integration Program) ou Pasep (Public Servant Asset 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 change
According to Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, the salary bonus has lost some of its relevance due to the creation of more comprehensive social programs in recent years.
“As the minimum wage will increase above inflation, this value will gradually converge to a minimum wage and a half over the years”, said Haddad, explaining that the change seeks to adjust the benefit to new economic and social realities.
Additionally, we bring the proposal aims to reduce public spending on the program, that increased 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 a saving of R$18,1 billion by 2030.
How will the calculation be done?
The change in the salary bonus will not affect payments immediately. The benefit will continue to be calculated based on the minimum wage for two years prior to payment.
For example, the amounts paid in 2024 correspond to the minimum wage 2022, fixed at R$1.212, while those of 2025 will use the value of 2023, which was £ 1.320.
According to the new proposal, the limit of R$2.640 will be used as a basis for the following years, updated for inflation.
On the other hand, the minimum wage will receive higher adjustments, of up to 2,5% above inflation. This difference will mean that, over the years, fewer workers 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 bring relief to 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 unions are following the debate, which promises to significantly influence the 2026 elections, year in which the new rule will come into effect, if approved.
I really do not accept this cut that once again only affects the people due to a tyrannical and unjust government in all aspects.