Caixa authorises up to R$6,220 FGTS disaster withdrawals for workers

Brazil’s state‑owned Caixa Econômica Federal has activated the Saque‑Calamidade programme, permitting workers in municipalities declared under a state of public calamity to withdraw up to R$6,220 from their Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço (FGTS) accounts. The first release targets residents of Tarabai in São Paulo state after severe flooding, and the benefit can be extended to any area officially recognised by the Defence Civil and Caixa as affected by floods, landslides, dam failures or similar natural disasters.

Eligibility requires an existing FGTS balance, residence in the declared zone and no prior Saque‑Calamidade withdrawal in the previous 12 months, with an exemption for municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. Applicants must use the “Meu FGTS” digital app, select “Calamidade pública,” and upload a photo ID, a selfie holding the ID and a recent proof of residence (issued within 120 days). The amount actually received depends on the individual’s FGTS balance.

The measure is part of the government’s response to recurring climate‑related emergencies, offering immediate financial relief to workers whose homes and livelihoods have been damaged.