Poland’s annual “13th pension” – a supplementary payment to retirees and benefit recipients – will be distributed alongside regular monthly payments in April 2026, according to recent announcements from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). The payment will be equivalent to the minimum pension amount, currently set at 1,978.49 złoty gross.
While often referred to as a benefit exclusively for seniors, the “13th pension” is, in fact, available to a broader range of individuals, including those under the age of 65 who receive qualifying benefits as of March 31, 2026. These include recipients of disability pensions, survivor’s pensions, and pre-retirement benefits, among others. Individuals as young as 18 may be eligible if they meet the criteria for disability benefits, even without a full contribution history, provided they were registered for insurance before turning 18 or within six months of completing their education.
However, eligibility is contingent on not having one’s pension suspended. According to ZUS guidelines, individuals exceeding a specific income threshold will have their benefits suspended. As of December 1, 2025, that threshold was 11,403.30 złoty, equivalent to 130% of the average monthly wage for the third quarter of 2025. From March 1, 2026, the threshold increased to 11,957.20 złoty, reflecting the average monthly wage for the fourth quarter of 2025. Exceptions to this rule apply to those who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) unless they continue working for the same employer, as well as recipients of war invalidity pensions and related survivor benefits.
The “13th pension” differs from the “14th pension” in that the government does not have the authority to increase its value above the minimum guaranteed pension amount. Unlike the “14th pension,” which allows the Council of Ministers to issue regulations increasing the payment amount based on socio-economic conditions and public finances, the “13th pension” is fixed at the minimum pension level by law.
ZUS will distribute the “13th pension” alongside regular monthly payments in April 2026, taking into account Easter holidays. Payments for those whose benefits are normally paid on April 5th will be made on April 3rd. Payments scheduled for April 6th will be made on April 3rd. Subsequent payments will be distributed on April 10th, 15th, 20th, and 24th, depending on the standard payment schedule. Recipients of pre-retirement benefits or pre-retirement allowances will receive their “13th pension” with their May 2026 payments.
Individuals eligible for the “13th pension” will automatically receive a decision from ZUS confirming their entitlement; no application is required. Appeals of ZUS decisions regarding the “13th pension” can be filed with the district court within one month of receiving the decision.
