Workers and residents in Brazilian municipalities under a state of calamity may withdraw emergency funds from their FGTS accounts [1].
This measure provides immediate liquidity to citizens facing the aftermath of natural disasters, allowing them to fund urgent repairs and basic needs during public emergencies.
The "Saque Calamidade" allows eligible individuals to withdraw a maximum of R$ 6,220 [1]. The program saw a general announcement on March 5, 2026 [1]. Eligibility is tied to the official declaration of a state of calamity or public emergency by local governments in response to natural disasters [1, 4].
Implementation has rolled out across various regions. In Rio de Janeiro, residents of Paraty, Paty do Alferes, and Silva Jardim were eligible to begin withdrawals on March 3, 2026 [7]. In Maranhão, the municipality of Tuntum declared a state of public calamity, allowing residents to request the funds starting March 19, 2026 [5]. Those in Tuntum have until June 2026 to complete their withdrawals [6].
Legal challenges have also expanded the scope of the program. On March 31, 2026, a federal judicial decision guaranteed the right to the Saque Calamidade for all workers in municipalities affected by the May 2024 floods [3, 4]. This decision specifically targeted regions in Rio Grande do Sul that suffered extensive damage during those floods [3].
The FGTS, or Severance Indemnity Fund for Employees, typically restricts withdrawals until specific conditions are met, such as termination of employment. The Saque Calamidade serves as a critical exception to these rules, bypassing standard restrictions to provide rapid financial assistance [1, 4].
“The "Saque Calamidade" allows eligible individuals to withdraw a maximum of R$ 6,220.”
The expansion of the Saque Calamidade through both administrative decrees and judicial mandates reflects a shift toward treating the FGTS as a social safety net during climate-driven crises. By allowing access to these funds for victims of the May 2024 floods and more recent disasters, the Brazilian government is utilizing existing labor reserves to mitigate the economic impact of environmental instability without requiring new legislative appropriations.
