Warsaw – Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) confirmed Friday that the annual valuation of pensions and benefits for 2026 will be 5.3%, higher than previously anticipated, impacting millions of Polish retirees and benefit recipients.
The final valuation rate stems from data released by GUS on February 9th regarding average wage growth in 2025, which showed a real increase of 5.5% compared to 2024. Combined with the previously reported average price increase for retiree and pensioner households of 4.2% in 2025, the valuation index reaches 5.3%, according to a statement from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy issued on February 11th.
The valuation process, mandated by the Act on Pensions and Disability Insurance, is designed to offset the decline in purchasing power caused by inflation. The index is calculated by adding at least 20% of the real wage growth to the average price increase for retiree households. This year, the 20% component adds 1.1 percentage points to the valuation, resulting in the 5.3% increase.
The 5.3% valuation will be applied automatically to all pensions and benefits that were in effect as of February 28, 2026, with no application required from recipients. The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will issue decisions to each beneficiary detailing the new amount of their benefit.
The minimum guaranteed pension will increase to 1,978.49 złoty, a rise of 99.58 złoty. The minimum disability pension will also rise to 1,978.49 złoty, an increase of 99.58 złoty. Other minimum benefit levels will also be adjusted upwards, including those for family pensions and survivor benefits. Specifically, the minimum family pension will increase by 99.58 złoty to 1,978.49 złoty, while the minimum social pension will also see a 99.58 złoty increase, reaching 1,978.49 złoty.
Several supplementary benefits will also be adjusted. The care allowance and the allowance for secret teaching will increase to 366.68 złoty (an increase of 18.46 złoty). The allowance for a totally disabled war veteran will rise to 550.01 złoty (an increase of 27.68 złoty), and the orphan’s allowance will increase to 689.17 złoty (an increase of 34.69 złoty). Various other allowances, including those for veterans and those deported for forced labor, will also be adjusted upwards.
The official valuation index was confirmed by the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy in a communiqué published on February 11th, 2026, solidifying the 5.3% increase for the upcoming year.