Brazil to Pay Second Christmas Bonus Instalment Early in 2026
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Workers in Brazil will receive the second instalment of their annual 13th salary earlier than usual in 2026, according to a recent news report. The 13th salary is a traditional end-of-year bonus that employers are legally required to pay.
This extra payment is usually split into two parts, called instalments. The first instalment is normally paid in the middle of the year, while the second usually comes in December. For 2026, however, the second instalment will be brought forward, meaning workers will get it sooner than in previous years.
The report did not give full details about the exact amounts involved, but it did confirm that new payment dates have been set for both the first and second instalments in 2026. This change is expected to benefit millions of workers across the country.
The 13th salary plays an important role in the Brazilian economy, especially at the end of the year. Many people depend on it to cover holiday expenses, pay off debts, or make larger purchases they could not otherwise afford.
By receiving the money earlier, workers may have more time to plan their spending before the holiday season. Retailers could also benefit, as earlier payments often lead to earlier shopping.
The 13th salary was created decades ago to give workers extra financial support at the end of the year. It has since become a key part of the country's labour system, and changes to its payment schedule are closely watched by both workers and businesses.
Vocabulary10 words
- 13th salary
- an extra yearly payment Brazilian workers get by law
- bonus
- extra money on top of normal pay
- instalment
- one part of a payment split into parts
- dates
- specific days set for something to happen
- economy
- the system of money, jobs and business in a country
- debt
- money that a person owes
- spending
- the money people use to buy things
- retailer
- a business that sells things to shoppers
- labour system
- the rules about how work and pay are organised
- schedule
- a plan that shows when things happen
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Quiz
Answer key
1. It will be paid earlier than usual 2. It helps workers cover holiday costs and debts 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Workers in Brazil will receive the second _____ of their annual 13th salary earlier than usual in 2026.
The 13th salary is a traditional end-of-year _____ that employers are legally required to pay.
This extra payment is usually split into two parts, called _____.
The first instalment is normally paid in the middle of the year, while the second usually comes in _____.
The report did not give full details about the exact _____ involved.
New payment _____ have been set for both instalments in 2026.
The 13th salary plays an important role in the Brazilian _____.
Many people depend on it to cover holiday expenses, pay off _____, or make larger purchases.
By receiving the money earlier, workers may have more time to plan their _____.
It has since become a key part of the country's _____.
Discussion questions
- Does your country have any similar extra end-of-year payment for workers?
- How do you think earlier payment of a bonus affects people's spending habits?
- Why might governments require companies to pay an extra yearly salary?
- What would you do if you received an unexpected extra payment before the holidays?
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