Hey, you! Yes, I'm talking to you! Have you heard of PIS? It's the Social Integration Program that can provide a little extra cash at the end of the year for many Brazilian workers. But the question remains: How do I know if I am entitled to PIS??
Let's unravel this mystery together, in a light and fun way. So, grab your cup of coffee, settle into your favorite armchair and follow along right now!
What is PIS, after all?
First of all, we need to understand what this PIS is.
Created in the 1970s, the Social Integration Program is a social contribution that aims to finance the payment of unemployment insurance, salary bonuses and participation in the revenue of agencies and entities for private sector workers.
In other words, it’s a benefit that can help a lot of people’s budgets!
Who can receive PIS?
Now that we understand what PIS is, let's see who is entitled to it. Here are the criteria you need to meet to have access to this benefit:
- Be registered with PIS for at least five years;
- Have worked with a signed employment contract for at least 30 days in the base year (year prior to payment);
- Have received, on average, up to two monthly minimum wages in the base year;
- Have your data correctly reported by your employer in the Annual Social Information Report (RAIS).
If you meet these requirements, congratulations! You are one step closer to finding out if you are entitled to PIS!
How do I know if I am entitled to PIS?
Now that we know the criteria, let's go step by step through how to check your right to PIS.
- Access the Caixa Econômica Federal website (www.caixa.gov.br);
- Go to the “Benefits and Programs” area and click on “PIS”;
- Then click on “Check payment”;
- Enter your PIS/PASEP number and password. If you do not have a password, click on “Register password”;
Done! Now you will know if you are entitled to PIS and how much you will receive!
When and how will I receive PIS?
If you have discovered that you are entitled to PIS, you may be wondering when and how you will receive the benefit.
Payments generally occur between March and July of the year following the base year, and follow a specific calendar, which can be consulted on the Caixa Econômica Federal website.
Regarding receiving PIS, if you have an account at Caixa, the amount will be deposited automatically.
Otherwise, simply present your photo ID at a Caixa branch or self-service terminal.
How can PIS help workers?
Among the main ways in which PIS can help workers are:
Salary Bonus
Every year, workers who are entitled to PIS receive a salary bonus, which is an extra amount added to their salary.
This allowance is paid to workers who meet certain requirements, such as having worked with a signed employment contract for at least 30 days in the previous year and having an average monthly income of up to two minimum wages.
Unemployment Insurance
PIS is also responsible for paying Unemployment Insurance, which is a benefit paid to workers who were unfairly dismissed.
The value of the benefit varies according to the worker's average salary in the last three months before dismissal.
Severance Pay Guarantee Fund (FGTS)
PIS is also responsible for managing the FGTS, which is a fund created to protect workers in the event of unfair dismissal.
Every month, employers must deposit 8% of each employee's salary into an account linked to the FGTS.
This amount can be withdrawn by the worker in specific cases, such as when purchasing a home, upon retirement or in the event of unfair dismissal.
In this way, PIS can help workers secure extra income, receive benefits in the event of dismissal and have access to a fund that can be used in times of need.
In fact, it is important to emphasize that to be entitled to PIS benefits, it is necessary to meet the requirements established by the program.
