You can have forgotten money in your name and you have no idea about it. And we're not talking about pennies lost in old accounts, but values that can add up to an interesting amount. This includes bank returns, PIS/PASEP quotas, consortium balances and even social benefits that have been forgotten over the years.

The good news? You can check all of this online, in just a few minutes, using only your CPF.

How does this money get forgotten?

Most people don't even realize that they can have money stored in their name. This is because, as time goes by, we change jobs, banks, addresses... And along with this hectic routine, financial details get left behind.

Here are some common examples:

  • Closing accounts with residual balances
  • Amounts overpaid in bank fees or charges
  • PIS/PASEP quotas not redeemed by those who worked between 1971 and 1988
  • Forgotten resources in consortia or credit unions
  • Returns or refunds not withdrawn
  • Social benefits that have stalled in the Caixa Tem app

All of this can end up accumulating and, if you never go after it, that money just sits there.

Who can have receivables?

Anyone who has ever had a bank account, participated in a consortium, been a civil servant or a worker with a formal contract may be entitled to forgotten amounts. This even includes the heirs of deceased people - in these cases, the amounts can be recovered by those who are legally entitled, as long as they present the correct documentation.

So if any of your relatives have died and they fit these profiles, it's worth checking them out too.

How to look up forgotten money using your CPF

The consultation is quick and free. You just need to have your CPF in hand and access one of the official platforms. Below are the safest channels for carrying out this check:

1# Receivables (Central Bank)

The Central Bank has launched the "Amounts Receivable" system, which allows you to check if you have forgotten balances at banks, cooperatives, consortiums or financial institutions.

How to access:

  • Visit the official website: valoresareceber.bcb.gov.br
  • Enter your CPF and date of birth
  • See if there are any receivables
  • If you have, follow the instructions to request redemption directly in the system

2# FGTS - PIS/PASEP Quotas

Anyone who worked between 1971 and 1988 may have money from the PIS/PASEP fund. The query can be made via the FGTS application.

Step by step:

  • Download the FGTS app (available for Android and iOS)
  • Log in with your social security number and password
  • Go to "PIS/PASEP Income"
  • See if values are available

If there are any, you can request the withdrawal directly through the app.

3# Caixa Tem Application

Some social benefits, such as Emergency Aid, have not been fully withdrawn. These amounts are available for a while in the Caixa Tem app.

Tip: It's worth accessing the app, checking your statement and seeing if there is any money available to move.

4# REPIS Citizen

REPIS (Repository of Social Information) is another platform that can show data on benefits and social programs. It also only requires the CPF and can indicate forgotten resources.

How do I get my forgotten money back?

Once you've made the query and discovered that you have something to receive, the next step is to request redemption. In many cases, this can be done directly on the app or platform where the query was made.

Here's how it works:

  • Central Bank: the system takes you to the website of the bank responsible for the amount. Just follow the procedure indicated.
  • Caixa Econômica (FGTS or PIS/PASEP): Withdrawals can be made via the app or in person at branches.
  • Inheritance: if you are redeeming money from a deceased family member, you must present a death certificate, inventory or public deed of partition.

The time it takes for the amount to reach your account varies, but is usually up to 12 working days.

What happens if I don't redeem?

Time goes by, life goes on, and that forgotten money remains there... until one day it can be returned to the public coffers. And yes, this does happen. If the money remains idle for too long and no one applies for it, you could lose the right to redeem it.

Banks, the government and official systems do not notify citizens about these values. In other words: if you don't go after them, no one will remind you.

That's why it's best to do this at least once a year, even if you don't think you have anything to pay.

Tips to avoid forgetting valuables in the future

1# Keep track of your bank accounts
2# Avoid leaving money idle for too long
3# Use tools like Pix to move small balances around
4# Write down the benefits and programs you participate in
5# Regularly consult official platforms with CPF

These simple habits help prevent your money from being forgotten. After all, every penny counts - and in times of need, any amount can make a difference.

See also: PIS PASEP: Find out how to withdraw your available balance

April 13th, 2025