Who will miss out on Poland’s 13th pension in 2026? ZUS highlights the key date and specific groups excluded from the additional payment.
Judges and Prosecutors Excluded from the 13th Pension
The first group excluded are retired judges and prosecutors. Although their payments are commonly called a “pension,” they do not come from the Social Insurance Fund. Instead, they receive a salary financed directly from the state budget, equivalent to 75% of their last basic salary plus a seniority bonus. For this reason, they are not covered by the 13th pension law.
Olympic Pensioners Also Excluded in 2026
The second excluded group consists of individuals receiving the so-called “Olympic pension,” a special benefit for Olympic medalists. From 2026, this pension will amount to 5,116.99 PLN net per month and is paid by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism. It is not subject to the regulations of the 13th pension.
Pension Suspension: A Key Risk for the 13th Payment
The most contentious situation involves suspended pensions or disability benefits. If a pension is suspended on March 31, 2026, the recipient is not entitled to the 13th payment. This creates a problem for early retirees who continue to work. As of March 1, 2026, the earnings limit for pension suspension is 130% of the average wage, which is 11,957.10 PLN gross monthly. Exceeding this threshold halts pension payments and, consequently, disqualifies the individual from the 13th pension.
ZUS Decision Deadline: No Decision, No 13th Pension
To receive the 13th pension, an individual must have their right to one of the eligible benefits established by March 31, 2026. If the ZUS decision is made only after this date, the additional payment will not be issued. The law does not allow for back payments. This is particularly important for those ending their careers and planning to retire in the spring.
Why Your Net 13th Pension Could Be Less Than 1,978.49 PLN
Even recipients who qualify for the 13th pension may see a net amount lower than 1,978.49 PLN. While the gross amount is uniform for everyone, the net value depends on income tax and social security contributions. The higher the total amount of benefits received in April, the higher the deductions. Therefore, individuals with higher pensions will see a lower “net effect” from the 13th payment.
