Brazil Prepares for Holiday Bonuses Amid Christmas Shopping Rush

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — As the festive season begins, supermarkets, bakeries, and shops across Brazil are already filled with Christmas items like panetones, rabanadas, and decorations. This seasonal shift raises a common question among workers: “When will the thirteenth salary be paid?” To assist Brazilians in managing their holiday spending, EXTRA provides essential information on this topic.

The thirteenth salary, which can be divided into two payments, must have the first portion deposited by the end of next month. Since February, employers have had the option to pay this bonus either at the start of the vacation season or during the employee’s birthday month. It is crucial for employees to verify if this payment has already been made to avoid waiting for funds that may not be forthcoming.

All employees with a signed work contract who have worked for at least 15 days in the year are entitled to the thirteenth salary, along with retirees and pensioners from public entities and Social Security. The INSS has already disbursed the first installment of this annual bonus.

Juliana Campão Pires Fernandes Roque, an employment law attorney at Lopes Muniz Advogados, stated that the first installment must be paid by November 30, while the second installment is due by December 20.

Roque explained that the first portion consists of 50% of the thirteenth salary and must be paid in gross amount, with no deductions. The second payment, however, will have deductions for INSS and income tax.

Silvana Campos, a labor law specialist, emphasized that employers are obligated to pay the thirteenth salary punctually. If a worker does not receive the payment by December 20, they have the right to pursue the amount legally or to request an indirect dismissal due to employer non-compliance.

Those who leave their job within the year will receive a proportional thirteenth salary based on the months they worked, provided they were employed for at least 15 days in a month. In this case, the payment will be made in a lump sum without installments.

Campos reiterated that the full thirteenth salary must be paid by December 20. As the holiday season approaches, both employees and employers must be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding this yearly bonus.