Poland’s ZUS will implement double pension increases in 2026 for retirees affected by June 2009-2019 recalculations, plus a 5.3% increase for all starting March.
Automatic Recalculations Begin
Since January, Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has been recalculating pension benefits. All pensions will increase by 5.3% starting March 1, according to the official indexation rate announced by the Central Statistical Office (GUS).
The recalculations affect individuals whose pensions were established or recalculated in June during 2009-2019, when less favorable indexation rules were applied. This resulted in lower initial capital and permanently reduced benefits.
Who Benefits from Double Increases
The new law states that these pensions should be calculated as if established in May – if this solution is more favorable – and then adjusted to current levels.
According to ZUS data, the law covers approximately 265,000 people, including over 240,000 pensioners and tens of thousands of family pensions. In initial recalculations, 84% of people gained an average of approximately 203.80 zł monthly.
March Indexation Details
A common question among seniors is what happens if the recalculation decision arrives only in March. Will the March 5.3% indexation be lost? The answer is clear – no.
The new calculation is legally effective from January 1, 2026, even if the decision is delivered later. ZUS will pay the difference for January and February, then calculate the 5.3% increase from the already raised amount. The date of the decision letter is irrelevant.
How Much Will Pensions Increase?
On February 9, GUS provided the final data needed to calculate the index. The Ministry of Family then confirmed that pension indexation in 2026 will be 5.3%, higher than originally assumed in the budget.
The indexation will cover all benefits granted by February 28, 2026. New amounts will be paid from March 1. The key point is that 5.3% will be calculated from the already increased, recalculated amount – which is why we speak of a real double increase.
Example Calculation
For a senior receiving 3,000 zł gross today: without recalculation, 5.3% would be calculated from 3,000 zł (resulting in 3,159 zł). The difference is approximately 210 zł monthly, or over 2,500 zł annually.
Why No Back Payments for Underpaid Years?
Although the mechanism was unfavorable for several years, the law does not provide for back payments. The new amount is effective from January 1, 2026. The government argued that full equalization would mean billion-dollar costs for the budget and further court disputes.
Indexation, according to the law, has an annual character and works only for the future.
