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From January 11, 2025, unemployment insurance in Brazil undergoes a significant update, with new values and salary ranges adjusted by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE). The benefit, essential for workers dismissed without cause, will have floor of R $ 1,518.00, equivalent to the minimum wage, and ceiling of R $ 2,424.11 for average salaries above R $ 3,564.96. The readjustment, based on the 4.77% National Consumer Price Index (INPC) in 2024, reflects accumulated inflation and follows Law No. 7,998/1990 and Resolution No. 957/2022 of the Deliberative Council of the Worker Support Fund (Codefat). The request can be made by Portal Gov.br, digital work card application or in person in units of the National Employment System (Sine). The goal is to ensure temporary financial support, with up to five installments, depending on the length of service.
Employment insurance is a labor right that supports millions of Brazilians annually. By 2024, about 6.5 million workers received the benefit, according to MTE data. The 2025 update aims to maintain the purchasing power of beneficiaries, especially in a context of high prices of essential goods. To clarify the process, we list the main points of the benefit:
- Who can request: Workers dismissed without cause with formal bond.
- Values: Range from R $ 1,518.00 to R $ 2,424.11, according to the average salary.
- Installments: Three to five, depending on working time and number of requests.
New salary ranges for calculation
The calculation of the unemployment insurance is based on the average salary of the last three months prior to dismissal. The salary ranges were adjusted to 2025, considering the Inpc variation. For salaries up to R $ 2,138.76, the worker receives 80% of the value. Between R $ 2,138.77 and R $ 3,564.96, the calculation considers 50% of the surplus above R $ 2,138.76, added to R $ 1,711.01. Above R $ 3,564.96, the amount is fixed at R $ 2,424.11. This structure ensures that the benefit is proportional to income, but never lower than the minimum wage.
The calculation formula is automatically applied by the MTE system, but it is important that the worker has clarity on the values. For example, a professional with an average salary of R $ 2,500.00 will receive about R $ 1,856.01 per installment, while those who earned R $ 4,000.00 will have the ceiling of R $ 2,424.11. The process is transparent, but requires attention to the necessary deadlines and documents.
Requirements to access the benefit
To be entitled to unemployment insurance, the worker must meet specific criteria, which vary according to the number of requests. The first request requires at least 12 months of work in the last 18 months before resignation. In the second, it takes 9 months in the last 12 months. From the third, the requirement is 6 consecutive months of employment. In addition, the worker cannot have his own income or receive other social security benefits, except death pension or accident allowance.
- First request: 12 months of work in the last 18 months.
- Second request: 9 months of work in the last 12 months.
- Other requests: 6 consecutive months before resignation.
- Restrictions: Do not have its own income or social security benefits except those allowed.
These criteria ensure that the benefit comes to those who really depend on it. The MTE stresses that proof of employment is done through documents such as the digital work card and employer information.
How and where to request the benefit
The unemployment insurance request can be done in a practical and accessible manner. The worker has the option of using digital channels, such as Portal Gov.br or the Digital Work Card app, available for Android and iOS. For those who prefer face -to -face care, Regional Labor and Employment Superintendencies (Srtes) and Sine units offer. The deadline for request is 7 to 120 days after dismissal, and the release of the first installment occurs within 30 days after approval.
The digital process has gained adhesion. In 2024, about 60% of the requests were made by the Gov.br portal, according to MTE. Digitization reduces bureaucracy, but it is essential that the worker has documents such as ID, CPF and proof of employment. If you have any questions, phone 158 (hello work) offers free service.
Amount of installments available
The number of unemployment insurance installments ranges from three to five, depending on the working time and the number of previous requests. For the first request, the worker with 12 to 23 months of bond receives four installments, and with 24 months or more, five installments. In the second request, the minimum is from 9 months to four installments, and in the third, 6 months guarantee three installments. This structure encourages market reintegration while providing temporary support.
- First request: 4 installments (12-23 months) or 5 installments (24 months or more).
- Second request: 4 installments (9-23 months) or 5 installments (24 months or more).
- Third request or more: 3 installments (6-11 months), 4 installments (12-23 months) or 5 installments (24 months or more).
The system considers the history of the worker, ensuring that the benefit is fair and aligned with the needs of each case. The duration of the benefit is sufficient to cover periods of transition, but requires financial planning by the beneficiary.
Impact of readjustment on the worker’s pocket
The 4.77% readjustment in salary ranges reflects the accumulated inflation in 2024, measured by the INPC. This adjustment is crucial to maintaining the purchasing power of the benefit, especially in a scenario of increased food, transportation and housing prices. For example, the cost of living in large urban centers, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, rose 5.2% in 2024, according to IBGE. Thus, the new ceiling of R $ 2,424.11 allows to cover basic expenses for higher income workers, while the floor of R $ 1,518.00 meets the minimum needs.
The impact of readjustment is more sense by workers of intermediate wage ranges, which represent about 40% of beneficiaries, according to MTE. For these workers, the benefit can cover between 60% and 80% of the previous salary, helping to maintain financial stability during the search for a new job. The annual update is a measure of protection against the loss of real value of the benefit.
Support channels and important deadlines
In addition to the request channels, MTE provides tools to monitor the benefit. By the digital work card app, the worker can verify the status of the order, payment dates and installments. The period from 7 to 120 days for request is rigorous, and delays may result in the loss of law. If the request is denied, the worker may appeal administratively within 30 days.
- Digital channels: Portal Gov.br and Application Digital Work Card.
- Face -to -face service: STES AND SINE UNITS.
- REQUEST TERM: 7 to 120 days after dismissal.
- Appeal: Up to 30 days after negative order.
Agility in the process is essential, especially for workers who depend on the benefit as the main source of income. The MTE recommends that the request be made as soon as possible to avoid setbacks.
Additional benefits and associated programs
In addition to unemployment insurance, unchanged workers can access professional qualification programs offered by SINE. These often free programs include training courses in areas such as technology, construction and customer service. In 2024, about 500,000 workers participated in training for Sine, with a market reintegration rate of 65%, according to MTE. These courses are an opportunity to improve employability during the period of receipt of the benefit.
Unemployment insurance is also integrated into the Worker Support Fund (FAT), which finances employment support initiatives. Part of FAT’s resources is intended for microcredit to self-employed, benefiting former baselines seeking to undertake. These initiatives reinforce the importance of benefit as a bridge for reintegration in the labor market.
