How to withdraw FGTS inactive? Here are some ways to do it!

The Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS) is a legal right for all Brazilian workers. This fund serves as a kind of emergency fund for when a worker is laid off or can be used in other situations.

However, many are left with the Inactive FGTSDo you know what this means? And how to withdraw this money? We've gathered all the information you need to learn more about inactive FGTS and how it works.

Follow the article and learn more about how to withdraw inactive FGTS funds.

Index

• Are retained and inactive FGTS the same thing?
• Is it possible to withdraw inactive FGTS?
• What are the ways to withdraw inactive FGTS?
• How do I withdraw my FGTS using the anniversary withdrawal?
• How do I withdraw inactive FGTS to buy a property?
• How do I withdraw inactive FGTS in special situations?
• How do I withdraw inactive FGTS in case of retirement?
• How do I receive inactive FGTS?
• What is the difference between Active and Inactive FGTS?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is inactive FGTS?

An inactive FGTS is an account in the Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS) that no longer receives deposits from the employer. This occurs when a worker is dismissed without cause or when they decide to terminate an employment contract with one company and are not immediately registered with another.

Inactive FGTS accounts are those that have not been used for a period of three consecutive years. In other words, if a worker does not withdraw funds or make any transactions in their FGTS account during this period, it is considered inactive.

So, if you have worked somewhere and have an inactive FGTS account, it is important to know in which situations and how to withdraw the FGTS.

Are retained and inactive FGTS the same thing?

Although they're very similar concepts, there are some differences between retained and inactive FGTS. Therefore, it's important to understand them so you can stay informed about your account's status.

Retained FGTS is the severance pay fund that cannot be withdrawn because the employee resigned or was dismissed for just cause. In these situations, the severance pay withdrawal is not possible, and the amount is retained.

However, if the employee returns to work immediately, the account may become active again.

If the account remains without activity for three years, it becomes an inactive FGTS account, that is, without any deposits or activity, and the money remains inactive.

Therefore, it is important to know how to withdraw inactive FGTS and get your money.

Is it possible to withdraw inactive FGTS?

The good news is that yes, there are legal ways for you to withdraw inactive FGTS funds and enjoy the money you have. However, you need to be aware that these are limited to very specific situations.

So, if you want to withdraw your money that is stuck in an inactive account, you should look at the situations in which you will be able to do so.

What are the ways to withdraw inactive FGTS?

Check out some ways you can withdraw inactive FGTS and find out if you can opt for this type of withdrawal.

How do I withdraw my FGTS using the anniversary withdrawal?

The Anniversary Withdrawal is a FGTS modality that allows the worker to withdraw a portion of the balance available in their FGTS account in the month of their birthday, provided they have opted for this modality.

Remembering that this is an employee's choice and, by opting for the anniversary withdrawal, the employee cannot make the termination withdrawal. (That's why some, upon discovering this impossibility, opt for cancel the anniversary withdrawal, so that they can make the withdrawal-termination.)

However, in this case, having money in the account, active or inactive, it is possible to withdraw an amount every year within the worker's birthday month.

To join the FGTS Anniversary Withdrawal, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you meet the requirements: To apply for the Anniversary Withdrawal, you must have an active or inactive FGTS account. Additionally, you must have at least one year of employment with one or more companies and have an available balance in your FGTS account. And here's the kicker: it allows withdrawals from inactive accounts.
2. Visit the Caixa Econômica Federal website: On the Caixa website, you'll find information about the FGTS Anniversary Withdrawal. It's important to read all the information available to understand how this option works. You can also sign up through the app.
3. Choose the Anniversary Withdrawal: On the Caixa website, go to the "FGTS" option and then select "Anniversary Withdrawal." Click "Join Anniversary Withdrawal" and read the information about this option.
4. Confirm your subscription: After reading all the information, click "I agree to the Terms and Conditions" and then "Join Saque-Aniversário." You will then receive a subscription confirmation message.
5. Wait for confirmation from Caixa: After signing up, Caixa Econômica Federal will process your request and send you a confirmation message. It's important to remember that the Anniversary Withdrawal option is irreversible and can only be changed after a two-year period.
6. Withdrawal in your birthday month: After confirming your membership, you can withdraw a portion of your FGTS balance in your birthday month. The amount you can withdraw depends on the balance available in your FGTS account and follows a predefined percentage table.

How do I withdraw inactive FGTS to buy a property?

Another way to withdraw inactive FGTS funds is by purchasing a property. This option is beneficial for those considering investing in their own home.

This is because, at the time of purchase, the law allows you to withdraw the entire amount of your FGTS (Fund for Severance Indemnity Fund) to use as a down payment or to pay off the installments on your property. Therefore, whether you have an active or inactive account, the money can be withdrawn.

If you want to withdraw inactive FGTS funds when purchasing a property, you should speak to the person responsible for financing the property and you will then be able to use the funds specifically for this purpose.

How do I withdraw inactive FGTS in special situations?

According to the law, certain special situations allow workers to withdraw inactive FGTS funds. Here are the specific situations, according to Caixa:

• Public calamity;
• Serious illnesses, such as cancer, HIV, Parkinson's, among others;
• Emergency or extraordinary FGTS;
• Termination due to employer bankruptcy;
• With a dependent diagnosed with cancer (malignant neoplasm);
• With a dependent who is a carrier of the HIV virus (AIDS);
• With a dependent in a terminal stage, due to a serious illness;
• In the event of the worker's death, the balance is available to dependents.

For any of these issues, you must have complete documentation and go to a Caixa branch to release the inactive FGTS funds.

How do I withdraw inactive FGTS in case of retirement?

It's important to remember that you can withdraw your FGTS in full, including the amounts in inactive accounts, if you receive a retirement benefit from the National Social Security Institute (INSS). This option is available for all types of social security retirement, including disability retirement.

Even if the retiree continues to work with a formal employment contract, he or she can withdraw the FGTS balance and continue receiving monthly deposits into the guarantee fund.

It's an important option for those who want to use their FGTS funds for investments or to pay off debts after retirement. It's important to learn about the withdrawal procedures, which may vary depending on current regulations.

How do I receive inactive FGTS?

There are different ways to receive FGTS funds, depending on the situation in which the withdrawal is requested. Some of the main methods are:

• Withdrawals at Caixa Econômica Federal branches: You can withdraw your FGTS (Fund for Severance Indemnity Fund) at a Caixa Econômica Federal branch by presenting identification and your Citizen Card. If you don't have a Citizen Card, you must bring identification and your PIS/PASEP number to the branch.
• Withdrawals from Caixa ATMs: FGTS amounts can also be withdrawn from Caixa Econômica Federal ATMs, using the Citizen Card and registered password.
• Transfer to a bank account: If you prefer, you can transfer your FGTS funds to a personal bank account. You must request the transfer at a Caixa Econômica Federal branch or through online banking.
• Anniversary Withdrawal: For those who opted for the FGTS Anniversary Withdrawal, funds are made available annually on the worker's birthday. In this case, withdrawals can be made at Caixa branches or ATMs.

An important note: The Citizen Card is one of the methods used to withdraw FGTS funds. If you want to withdraw funds and don't have the card, you can request one at a Caixa branch.

Additionally, you can withdraw funds directly at branches using your PIS number and original identification document. You'll also need to bring a copy of your ID and CPF.

What is the difference between Active and Inactive FGTS?

An active FGTS is a Severance Indemnity Fund account that receives regular monthly deposits from the employer. An inactive FGTS account is one that no longer receives deposits from the employer and has been inactive for at least three consecutive years.

The main difference between the two is that the active FGTS is a balance that is constantly updated, as it is fed by the employer, while the inactive FGTS is a balance that is not being updated and may have been idle for years.

Another important difference is that the movement of the active FGTS balance is restricted, that is, the worker can only withdraw the available balance in specific situations, such as unfair dismissal, retirement, serious illness, among others provided for by law.

The inactive FGTS balance can be withdrawn in several situations, as long as the worker has completed the minimum period of work required to be entitled to the benefit.

Frequently asked questions

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