Hello everyone! Welcome to our blog! Today, we are going to talk about a very important right for all Brazilian workers with a formal employment contract: the famous 13th salary, also known as the “Christmas bonus”. If you work in Brazil or are curious about the country’s work culture, this post is for you!
What is the 13th Salary?
The 13th salary is a right guaranteed by law to all Brazilian workers with a formal employment contract. It’s like an annual “bonus,” but it’s actually part of your total compensation. Essentially, you receive an extra salary, paid in two installments, at the end of each year.
How is the 13th Salary Calculated?
The amount of the 13th salary is equivalent to one month’s salary, but this depends on how many months you have worked during the year. For each month worked, you receive 1/12 of your salary. If you have worked the entire year, you will receive a full month’s salary. If you have worked less, the amount is proportional to the time worked. For example, if you started working in July, you would be entitled to 6/12, or half of your salary, as your 13th salary. To be eligible for the 13th salary, the worker must have worked for at least 15 days in the month.
When is the 13th Salary Paid?
The 13th salary is paid in two installments. The first installment must be paid between February 1st and November 30th. The second installment must be paid by December 20th. This division aims to help workers better plan for year-end expenses, such as gifts, parties, and paying off debts.
Benefits of the 13th Salary
This benefit has a positive impact on both workers and the economy. For workers, it’s an opportunity to have extra income during a period of high expenses. For retailers, the 13th salary helps boost year-end sales. Furthermore, the 13th salary is a unique feature of Brazil, as not all countries offer a similar benefit, making the Brazilian labor system more attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it mandatory for all companies? Yes! All Brazilian companies must pay the 13th salary to their employees with formal contracts.
- Is it paid to temporary workers? Yes! If the worker has been employed for at least 15 days in the year, they are entitled to a proportional amount of the 13th salary.
- Is it paid to those receiving pro labore? No. Those who receive pro labore are not entitled to the 13th salary.
We hope this post has helped you better understand the 13th salary in Brazil. It is an important right that makes a difference in the lives of many workers and strengthens our economy. If you have any further questions or need assistance with labor-related matters, please contact us!