Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has confirmed the disbursement of the 13th pension payment in 2026, though not all retirees will receive the funds on their standard schedule. What we have is significant news for pensioners and beneficiaries, as many will receive the payment before Easter. The amount of the benefit after a 5.3% revaluation, eligibility criteria, and payment dates have been announced.
rozwiń >
5.3% Revaluation to Impact 13th Pension Amount
This year’s benefit revaluation is 5.3%, resulting in an increase to the minimum pension amount, which directly determines the value of the 13th pension.
Following the March revaluation, the minimum gross pension will be 1,978.49 zł, or approximately 1,800 zł net. The 13th pension will be the same gross amount.
The benefit is paid automatically, without the need for any applications.
Taxation of the 13th Pension
The 13th pension is reduced by the health insurance contribution. Seniors whose gross basic benefit exceeds 2,500 zł will as well be subject to income tax withholding (on the amount exceeding the threshold).
Individuals with lower benefits will receive approximately 1,638 zł net, while those with higher pensions will see a lower net amount, such as 1,443 zł with a pension of around 3,680 zł.
Dalszy ciąg materiału pod wideo
Avoiding Income Tax Withholding
Individuals whose annual income does not exceed 30,000 zł can submit the appropriate form to ZUS to avoid income tax withholding.
This involves:
- submitting form EPD-21,
- a declaration that income falls within the tax-free amount,
- a higher net payout.
Failure to submit the form may result in a lower net amount for the 13th pension.
2026 13th Pension Payment Schedule
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, and Easter Monday on April 6, 2026. Some standard 13th pension payment dates will be moved to earlier business days.
ZUS makes payments only on business days, as offices and banks are closed on Sundays and holidays, therefore funds are being transferred to seniors earlier.
Revised 2026 Payment Schedule
- April 1 (Wednesday) – payment remains unchanged
- April 5 (Easter Sunday) – payment on April 3 (Friday)
- April 6 (Easter Monday) – payment on April 3 (Friday)
- April 10 (Friday) – payment remains unchanged
- April 15 (Wednesday) – payment remains unchanged
- April 20 (Monday) – payment remains unchanged
- April 25 (Saturday) – payment on April 24 (Friday)
Which means a significant portion of pensioners will receive their 13th pension before Easter, and those with a standard payment date of the 25th of the month will receive their funds one day earlier, as payments are not made on Saturdays.
Who is Eligible for the 13th Pension?
Eligibility for the 13th pension is granted to individuals who are entitled to one of the following benefits as of March 31:
- pension,
- disability pension,
- family pension,
- social pension,
- training pension,
- teacher’s compensatory allowance,
- pre-retirement benefit.
If someone is entitled to multiple benefits simultaneously, they will receive only one 13th pension.
Who is Not Eligible for the 13th Pension?
The 13th pension is not available to individuals who:
- have their benefit entitlement suspended,
- receive an Olympic pension,
- are judges or prosecutors in retirement,
- receive a family pension divided among multiple people; in this case, the benefit is divided proportionally.
When to Expect Payment?
The 13th pension will be paid in April, along with the basic benefit.
Due to the holidays, some seniors will receive the funds earlier, even a few days before the scheduled date.
ZUS does not require applications, but it is advisable to check your payment date and, if applicable, submit a tax declaration to avoid losing part of the benefit.
