An additional annual cash benefit, commonly referred to as the “13th pension” or simply “the thirteenth,” is available not only to seniors but also to individuals who have reached the age of 18, provided they meet certain statutory requirements. In the case of the “14th pension” (also known as the “fourteenth”), there is a statutory provision allowing it to be awarded in an amount higher than the legally guaranteed minimum pension. Does this also apply to the thirteenth pension, and do eligible beneficiaries have a chance to receive a benefit in 2026 exceeding 1,978.49 zł?
Who is Eligible for the 2026 “13th Pension” and is it Exclusive to Seniors?
The additional annual cash benefit, often called the “13th pension,” as defined in the Act of January 9, 2020, on additional annual cash benefits for retirees and pensioners, is available to individuals who, as of March 31 of the year in which the benefit is paid (in this case, March 31, 2026), have a legal entitlement to one of the pension or annuity benefits, including:
- a public pension or annuity,
- a farmer’s pension or annuity,
- a uniformed services pension or annuity,
- a bridging pension,
- a pre-retirement benefit or allowance,
- a social annuity,
- a teacher’s compensatory allowance,
- a supplementary parental benefit,
- a war veteran’s or military invalidity pension.
Individuals can receive only one 13th pension. In the case of a family annuity paid to multiple individuals, the additional annual cash benefit is divided equally among all eligible recipients.
This indicates that the 13th pension is not limited to seniors but also extends to individuals entitled to, for example, a disability pension. According to the latest statistics published by the Central Statistical Office (GUS) regarding pensions and annuities, 705,860 individuals received disability pensions in 2024.1 This group includes individuals of various ages, starting from 18-year-olds who may also qualify for the aforementioned pension, even if they do not meet the required contribution period, provided that:
- they were registered for insurance before the age of 18, or
- within six months of completing post-secondary or higher education, and
- they had, continuously or with interruptions not exceeding six months, periods of contributory and non-contributory insurance prior to the onset of their disability.
Who is Not Eligible for the 2026 “13th Pension” Despite Having Retiree or Pensioner Status?
Individuals whose right to a pension or annuity benefit is suspended as of March 31 of the year in which the benefit is paid (in this case, March 31, 2026) – for example, due to exceeding the statutory earnings limit whereas receiving a pension or annuity – are not eligible for the 13th pension.
The right to a pension, a disability pension, or a family annuity (if only one person is entitled to it) is suspended (with certain exceptions) if income exceeds 130% of the average monthly wage for the calendar quarter, most recently announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office.
The aforementioned income amount, exceeding which results in the suspension of pension or annuity benefits, is announced each quarter in the “Monitor Polski” (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland) by the President of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), no later than the 14th working day of the second month of each calendar quarter, and also – for the entire past calendar year – no later than the 14th working day of November.
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Currently, from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, according to the notification of the President of ZUS dated November 18, 2025, regarding the income amounts corresponding to 70% and 130% of the average monthly wage announced for the third quarter of 2025, used to reduce or suspend pensions and annuities – the income limit above which pension or annuity benefits are suspended is 11,403.30 zł (equivalent to 130% of the average monthly wage announced for the third quarter of 2025).
Still, from March 1, 2026, according to the notification of the President of ZUS dated February 12, 2026, regarding the income amounts corresponding to 70% and 130% of the average monthly wage announced for the fourth quarter of 2025, used to reduce or suspend pensions and annuities – the income limit above which pension or annuity benefits will be suspended is 11,957.20 zł (equivalent to 130% of the average monthly wage announced for the fourth quarter of 2025).
The legislator has provided certain exceptions to this rule. The right to a pension or annuity will not be suspended (regardless of income level) in the case of:
- retirees who have reached the retirement age of 60 (for women) or 65 (for men), unless the individual continues employment with an employer with whom they were employed immediately before the date of acquiring the right to a pension – in which case their right to receive a pension will be suspended regardless of income level until the employment relationship is terminated and they submit a request to resume pension payments,
- entitlement to a partial pension,
- entitlement to a war veteran’s invalidity pension or a family pension after such a veteran, or
- entitlement to a military invalidity pension or a family pension after a soldier whose death was related to military service.
Generally, retirees who have reached the standard retirement age can earn without restrictions and, if they have a legal right to a pension as of March 31, 2026, will also receive the 13th pension.
What is the Amount of the 2026 “13th Pension” and Can it Exceed the Equivalent of the Minimum Pension?
The 13th pension in 2026 will be paid in an amount corresponding to the minimum pension, which is 1,978.49 zł gross.
the amount of the 13th pension is not reduced if the amount of the pension or annuity benefit due as of March 31, 2026, does not exceed 2,900 zł (as is the case with the 14th pension). The 13th pension is paid to all eligible recipients in the same amount – regardless of the amount of the pension or annuity benefit received.
Is it possible that the 13th pension in 2026 will be paid in an amount higher than the equivalent of the legally guaranteed minimum pension?
Unfortunately not – such authority (to determine an additional annual cash benefit) in an amount higher than the minimum pension amount – the Council of Ministers has exclusively regarding the “14th pension” (i.e., the fourteenth pension), which is paid under the Act of May 26, 2023, on the next additional annual cash benefit for retirees and pensioners. Article 3(6) of this Act provides that taking into account the current socio-economic situation and the state of public finances – the Council of Ministers may, by regulation, determine a higher amount than the minimum pension amount used to determine the amount of the additional benefit (i.e., the 14th pension). However, as of now, nothing is known about the government working on any legislative work regarding a regulation that would increase the amount of this year’s 14th pension. In principle, such an increase is possible, but – only for the 14th pension, and not the 13th pension (the Act of January 9, 2020, on additional annual cash benefits for retirees and pensioners, which defines the rules for paying the 13th pension – does not provide for a similar authority for the Council of Ministers to increase the amount of the additional benefit).
In the context of the amount of the 13th pension, it is also worth mentioning that the benefit is exempt from all deductions (e.g., from enforcement proceedings) and executions. It is also not included in income when applying for social assistance, alimony, or a supplementary benefit for persons unable to support themselves. Only income tax and health insurance contributions are deducted from the 13th pension.
When Will the 2026 “13th Pension” Be Paid (Including by ZUS)?
The 13th pension is paid along with basic benefits (pension, annuity, etc.) in the payment period for those benefits falling on:
- April,
- and in the case of individuals receiving a pre-retirement benefit or allowance – May.
The 13th pension in 2026 will therefore be paid to eligible beneficiaries in April (or, respectively – in May) 2026, in the payment periods for pension and annuity benefits, and will be paid to retirees and pensioners along with their April pension or annuity (or, respectively – the May benefit or pre-retirement allowance).
Due to Easter Sunday falling on April 5th and Easter Monday on April 6th this year, the payment schedule for pension and annuity benefits (with which eligible retirees and pensioners will receive the 13th pension) in April 2026 is as follows:
- April 1 (Wednesday),
- April 3 (Friday) – for benefits whose payment date is set for the 5th of the month, as April 5, 2026, falls on Easter Sunday,
- April 3 (Friday) – for benefits whose payment date is set for the 6th of the month, as April 6, 2026, falls on Easter Monday,
- April 10 (Friday),
- April 15 (Wednesday),
- April 20 (Monday), and
- April 24 (Friday) – for benefits whose payment date is set for the 25th of the month, as April 25, 2026, falls on a Saturday.
Individuals receiving a pre-retirement benefit or allowance will have the 13th pension paid with their May 2026 benefit, with the following payment schedule for pension and annuity benefits:
- April 30 (Thursday) – for benefits whose payment date is set for the 1st of the month, as May 1, 2026, is a State Holiday, a statutory day off,
- May 5 (Tuesday),
- May 6 (Wednesday),
- May 8 (Friday) – for benefits whose payment date is set for the 10th of the month, as May 10, 2026, falls on a Sunday,
- May 15 (Friday),
- May 20 (Wednesday), and
- May 25 (Monday).
Do You Need to Apply to Receive the 2026 “13th Pension”?
The 13th pension in 2026 will be paid automatically. No application is required. A decision on granting the additional annual cash benefit will be sent to each eligible retiree and pensioner.
According to Article 7(5) of the Act of January 9, 2020, on additional annual cash benefits for retirees and pensioners, an appeal to the district court – labor and social security court can be filed against the decision of the paying agency (if ZUS refused to grant the benefit or paid the benefit in an incorrect amount) within one month from the date of delivery of the decision. The appeal is filed through the ZUS branch that issued the decision (in writing or orally to the record).
1 GUS, Pensions and Annuities in 2024, Warsaw 2025
Recommended: Gifts, Wills, Inheritances. Correct Records. Sample Templates
Legal basis:
- Act of January 9, 2020, on additional annual cash benefits for retirees and pensioners (consolidated text, Journal of Laws of 2024, item 891)
- Act of May 26, 2023, on the next additional annual cash benefit for retirees and pensioners (consolidated text, Journal of Laws of 2025, item 183)
