The Brazilian federal government is launching a new version of the Desenrola debt-relief program that allows citizens to use FGTS funds to pay debts [1].
This initiative targets low-income households struggling with debt burdens to stimulate the national economy. By integrating the Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço (FGTS), a mandatory severance fund, the government aims to provide immediate liquidity for millions of indebted workers.
Finance Minister Dario Durigan said the economic team is evaluating the use of FGTS for debt settlement [3]. In a subsequent statement, Durigan said the government is finalizing the details of this new version of the program [2]. Under the proposed rules, workers may withdraw up to 20% of their FGTS balance to settle outstanding obligations [4].
The program also includes measures to renegotiate FIES student loans and introduce restrictions on betting [1]. These steps come as Brazil faces a growing crisis of inadherence. Reports indicate that 81.7 million people currently have overdue accounts [5]. Furthermore, approximately nine million individuals have become newly indebted since May 2024 [5].
While the government presents the program as a positive relief measure, some economists have questioned its effectiveness. Roberto Troster said the situation complicates the national economy [6]. Other critics have described the new iteration of the program as an ineffective delay tactic [5].
Reports on the exact timing of the announcement have varied. CNN Brasil reported the launch occurred on Monday, April 4, 2026 [1], while MSN reported the update on Monday, April 13, 2026 [2].
“Workers may withdraw up to 20% of their FGTS balance to settle outstanding obligations.”
The expansion of the Desenrola program reflects the Brazilian government's struggle to curb rising household debt despite previous relief efforts. By tapping into the FGTS, the state is prioritizing immediate debt clearance over long-term worker savings, a move that provides short-term economic breathing room but may raise concerns about the long-term financial security of the labor force.
