Reciprocal Counting of Contribution Time
This page is a translation of the original Portuguese text, provided for convenience. It deals with Brazilian law. If there is any discrepancy, the Portuguese version prevails. Read the original in Portuguese
Reciprocal counting (contagem recíproca) is the ability to add together contribution time worked in the public sector and in the private sector, so that periods under different systems count toward a single benefit. To make this work, time served under one system is carried over to the other by means of a certificate, so that contributions are not lost. It is especially useful if you spent part of your working life as a public servant and part as a private-sector worker.