Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will automatically distribute a one-time payment of 6,938.92 złoty (approximately $1,735 USD) to individuals celebrating their 100th birthday, beginning in 2026. The payment, a newly formalized “honorary benefit,” requires no application process and is available regardless of prior employment history, according to a report published March 5, 2026, by Kadry.
The initiative stems from legislation passed in October 2024, replacing a decades-old, informal system of providing a benefit to centenarians. For over 50 years, such payments were issued on an ad-hoc basis, varying in amount and lacking consistent adjustments for inflation. The new law aims to standardize the benefit and ensure all 100-year-olds receive the same amount, with annual adjustments mirroring those applied to pensions, as outlined in Article 4 of the law.
The 6,938.92 złoty figure represents an increase from the 6,589.67 złoty amount disbursed in 2025, the first year the formalized benefit was in effect. The payment is subject to income tax and health insurance contributions. ZUS will issue the payment within 14 days of the individual’s 100th birthday, according to reports from GK24 and MSN.
Individuals already receiving other forms of retirement or disability benefits will still be eligible for the honorary benefit, but will only receive one such payment. According to data cited by Interia.pl, approximately 3,800 individuals were receiving the honorary benefit as of August 2025, a significant increase from the 1,900 receiving it in 2018. ZUS will automatically process the payment for eligible recipients, eliminating the need for an application.
The legislation was framed as a recognition of the contributions and historical memory embodied by centenarians, with lawmakers emphasizing the importance of treating this demographic with respect and ensuring equitable access to the benefit. The benefit will be administered by ZUS, with appeals processes mirroring those for standard pension and benefit decisions.
