With the end of 2024 just around the corner, many workers are beginning to wonder about paying the long-awaited Christmas bonus. This benefit, also known as 14th salary, is a right enshrined in the CLT, and its payment follows well-defined rules.
According to the Working Conditions Authority (ACT), the Christmas bonus must be paid, at the latest, by December 15th of each year. “The worker is entitled to a Christmas bonus equal to one month’s salary, which must be paid by December 15th of each year”, reads the official ACT website.
Who is entitled to the Christmas bonus?
All contracted workers are entitled to the subsidy, which is proportional to the length of service provided during the calendar year in certain situations:
- In the year the worker was hired;
- In the year of termination of the employment contract;
- In the event of suspension of the contract, except when it is a situation attributable to the employer.
What is the value of the Christmas bonus?
The value of the Christmas bonus corresponds, as a rule, to one month’s salary. However, the proportionality rule applies in the following cases:
- When the worker starts work in the middle of the year;
- When the employment contract ends before the end of the year;
- During periods of contractual suspension, such as unpaid leave or extended leave, unless these result from reasons attributable to the employer.
For example, a worker who started working in July will receive half the value of the bonus, corresponding to the actual time of service provided.
When can you expect payment?
Although many companies choose to pay the Christmas bonus in November, along with that month’s salary, the law is clear: the limit for payment is the December 15th. If this date is not respected, the worker may report the situation to ACT, which ensures supervision and compliance with labor rights.
What to do if I don’t receive the subsidy?
If the employer fails to pay within the established period, the worker must, at first, try to resolve the issue directly with the company. If the situation persists, you can resort to ACTwhich provides means for submitting complaints and additional clarifications.
A right to protect
The Christmas bonus is more than an extra benefit; It is an essential right that helps alleviate the burdens typical of the festive season and reinforce the financial stability of workers. Pay attention to deadlines and values, and, if in doubt, consult the information provided by to ensure that you enjoy this right without constraints.
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