Cesantías & Interest Calculator 2026
Cesantías in Colombia equal 30 days of salary per year of service, calculated with the formula (salary + transportation allowance) × days worked / 360. For 2026, with a minimum wage of $1,423,500 COP and transportation allowance of $200,000, full-year cesantías are $1,623,500, plus $194,820 in interest (12% annual). The employer must deposit cesantías to the worker's chosen fund by February 15 and pay interest directly to the worker by January 31, per articles 249-254 of the Código Sustantivo del Trabajo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cesantías in Colombia?
Cesantías are a mandatory social benefit equal to 30 days of salary for each year of service. The employer must calculate them as of December 31 each year and deposit them into a cesantías fund chosen by the worker before February 15 of the following year. They are regulated by articles 249-254 of the Código Sustantivo del Trabajo and apply to all workers with an employment contract.
How is interest on cesantías calculated?
Interest on cesantías equals 12% annually on the cesantías balance, proportional to days worked. The formula is: cesantías × days worked × 0.12 / 360. Unlike cesantías (deposited to the fund), interest is paid directly to the worker by January 31 of the following year. If the employer doesn't pay on time, they must pay a penalty of one day's salary for each day of delay.
Is the transportation allowance included in cesantías?
Yes, the transportation allowance ($200,000 COP in 2026) is included in the cesantías calculation base. However, it only applies to workers with monthly salaries at or below 2 SMMLV ($2,847,000 COP in 2026). Workers with higher salaries don't receive the transportation allowance and their cesantías are calculated on salary alone.
When can I withdraw my cesantías?
Cesantías can be withdrawn in three cases: 1) Upon termination of the employment contract (partial or total settlement). 2) For purchasing or improving housing (partial withdrawal with employer authorization). 3) To finance education for the worker, spouse, or dependent children. Outside these cases, cesantías remain in the fund until the employment contract ends.
What happens if the employer doesn't deposit cesantías on time?
If the employer doesn't deposit cesantías to the fund by February 15, they must pay a penalty of one day's salary for each day of delay (Art. 99, Law 50 of 1990). Additionally, if they don't pay interest on cesantías by January 31, the penalty equals double the interest owed. These penalties protect workers and ensure timely payment of social benefits.