Poland’s social security administration, ZUS, is rolling out increased pension and disability benefits to nearly 3 million citizens this month, following a 5.3% valuation adjustment. The changes, effective March 2026, will see the minimum pension rise to 1,978.49 PLN gross, an increase of approximately 99.58 PLN.
Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, announced the updated figures on Friday, March 6, 2026, noting that the valuation covered benefits awarded through February 2026. The increases were applied automatically by ZUS, eliminating the need for individual applications. “Already, 2.8 million people have benefited from these higher payments,” she stated in an interview with Polish Radio’s First Program.
The valuation too impacts other benefit types. Widow’s pensions will increase by between several dozen to as much as 150 PLN, depending on the base amount. Disability pensions and family pensions have also been adjusted to 1,978.49 PLN gross, while partial disability pensions now stand at 1,483.87 PLN.
Meanwhile, the payout schedule for the annual “13th pension” has been revised. Payments will commence on April 1, 2026, and will generally align with recipients’ regular pension disbursement dates. However, ZUS indicated that there may be slight variations in payment dates for a compact number of individuals. The 13th pension will be equivalent to the minimum pension amount, 1978.49 PLN gross, though the net amount received will be reduced by health insurance contributions and potentially income tax for those with higher overall income.
The rollout of these increased benefits comes as Poland continues to navigate economic challenges and address the financial security of its aging population. The adjustments are expected to provide a significant boost to household incomes for millions of pensioners and benefit recipients.
Not all pensioners will receive the 13th pension. Certain professional groups are excluded from receiving the additional payment, though details were not immediately available.
