Brazil raises unemployment insurance maximum to R$ 2,518.65 in 2026

In 2026 Brazil’s unemployment insurance (seguro‑desemprego) will pay a maximum installment of R$ 2,518.65, with a minimum of R$ 1,621. The benefit applies to workers dismissed without cause, including indirect dismissals, domestic workers, fishermen during defeso, and rescued forced‑labor victims. Eligibility requirements vary by the number of previous claims: the first claim requires at least 12 months of work in the preceding 18 months; the second claim requires 9 months in the last 12 months; from the third claim onward, only six months of continuous work immediately before dismissal are needed. The number of installments a claimant receives ranges from three to five, depending on total months worked in the past 36 months. Payments are calculated from the average of the three most recent salaries, using a tiered formula, with a ceiling of R$ 2,518.65. Claims must be filed between the 7th and 120th day after dismissal (90 days for domestic workers) via the Gov.br portal, the Digital Work Card app, or at a local SINE office.