Brazil unlocks FGTS funds for debt repayment under Desenrola program

From 25 May 2026 workers in Brazil can use the official FGTS app to authorize the use of up to 20 % of their FGTS balance or up to R$ 1 000 (whichever is higher) to renegotiate overdue consumer debts through the Novo Desenrola Brazil scheme. Eligible debts include credit‑card balances, cheque‑special overdrafts and CDC loans. The Ministry of Labour and Employment expects up to R$ 8.2 billion of FGTS resources to be mobilised. After a worker authorises access, participating banks negotiate the debt and the Caixa Econômica Federal transfers the approved amount directly to the creditor; the whole process should be completed within 30 days.

The programme is limited to workers with monthly income of up to five minimum wages (about R$ 8 105) and temporarily suspends the “saque‑aniversário” annual withdrawal and any anticipations until the used balance is restored. In parallel, on 26 May the government will automatically credit residual “saque‑aniversário” amounts to roughly 10.5 million workers who were dismissed without cause between 2020 and 2025, releasing an estimated R$ 8.4 billion.

Both measures aim to reduce household indebtedness and provide liquidity to a large segment of the labour market.