Poland’s annual “13th pension” payment, a supplemental benefit for retirees and recipients of certain social assistance programs, will be distributed alongside regular pension payments in April 2026, according to details released by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). The payment, equivalent to the minimum pension amount of 1,978.49 złoty, will be automatically deposited into eligible recipients’ accounts, requiring no application process.
While often referred to as a benefit exclusively for seniors, the “13th pension” is available to a broader range of individuals receiving qualifying benefits as of March 31, 2026. These include recipients of ancient-age and disability pensions from the general system, farmers’ pensions, uniformed services pensions, bridge pensions, pre-retirement benefits, social pensions, teacher’s compensatory benefits, and parental supplementary benefits, as well as war veterans’ pensions. As of 2024, 705,860 individuals received disability pensions, many of whom are under the traditional retirement age and are eligible for the supplemental payment, provided they meet other criteria.
Eligibility for the “13th pension” is contingent upon not having a suspended benefit as of March 31, 2026. Suspension typically occurs when an individual’s income exceeds a specified threshold. For the period of December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, that threshold is 11,403.30 złoty, equivalent to 130% of the average monthly wage for the third quarter of 2025. From March 1, 2026, the limit increases to 11,957.20 złoty, reflecting 130% of the average monthly wage for the fourth quarter of 2025, as announced by ZUS.
Exceptions to the income suspension rule apply to those who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men), unless they continue employment with the same employer from which they retired; those receiving partial retirement benefits; recipients of war invalidity pensions; and those receiving family pensions related to war veterans. Individuals who have reached the standard retirement age can earn income without suspension of benefits and still receive the “13th pension” if they have established benefit rights by March 31, 2026.
Unlike the “14th pension,” which allows for discretionary increases above the minimum amount by the Council of Ministers based on socio-economic conditions and public finances, the “13th pension” remains fixed at the minimum pension level. There are currently no indications that the government is considering a change to this policy for the 2026 distribution. The “13th pension” is exempt from most deductions, including enforcement actions and is not considered income when applying for social assistance or supplementary benefits.
ZUS will send decisions regarding the “13th pension” to all eligible recipients. Individuals who believe they have been wrongly denied the benefit, or received an incorrect amount, can appeal the decision to the district court within one month of receiving the notification. The payment schedule for April 2026 will align with the regular pension disbursement dates, adjusted for the Easter holiday, with payments beginning April 1st and continuing through April 25th, depending on the standard payment schedule. Those receiving pre-retirement benefits or allowances will receive their “13th pension” with their May 2026 payments, following a similar schedule.
