Décimo Terceiro Salário: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the extra month of salary works in Brazil, including when you receive it and how taxes affect your final payment.
The Décimo Terceiro Salário is an annual benefit that provides workers with an extra month of salary. This extra payment is a standard part of the employment relationship for those working under formal contracts in Brazil.
Who it's for
This benefit is specifically for all formal employees. If you are working under a formal employment contract, you are eligible to receive this extra payment.
What you get
You receive an extra month of salary. This benefit is not paid as a single lump sum; instead, it is distributed in two separate installments. The first installment is typically paid toward the end of November, and the second installment is paid in December.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you to access this benefit. You do not need to go through a complex application process or visit a government office to request it. The payment is calculated automatically by your employer based on your earnings, so you do not need to submit any forms or paperwork to initiate the process.
The catch to know
It is important to remember that the amount you see in your bank account during the second installment may be different from the first. This is because taxes and social security deductions are taken out of the second installment. When planning your budget for the end of the year, keep in mind that these mandatory deductions will reduce the final amount you receive in December.
How to apply
- Verify your employment status to ensure you are a formal employee.
- Review your monthly pay stubs to see how your salary is recorded.
- Monitor your bank account during the months of November and December to receive both installments.
- Check with your employer or your pay slip if you have questions about the automatic calculations.