Starting in 2026, Polish seniors meeting specific income criteria can apply for an exemption from radio and television license fees, potentially saving up to 366 PLN per year.
New 2026 License Fee Thresholds
As of January 2026, new radio and TV license fee rates take effect. The monthly cost will be 9.50 PLN for radio only, and 30.50 PLN for television or a radio-television set, totaling 366 PLN annually for the latter. For seniors on lower fixed incomes, these recurring costs represent a significant burden, similar to utilities or medication.
Eligibility Based on Pension Income
Poczta Polska has confirmed that individuals with a monthly pension not exceeding 4,451.78 PLN are eligible for an exemption in 2026. This limit represents half of the average monthly salary in the national economy for 2025. Even a slight increase in pension income that pushes the recipient over this threshold will result in the loss of the exemption.
The Mandatory Formal Application Process
The exemption is not applied automatically; it requires a proactive step from the beneficiary. Seniors must visit a Poczta Polska branch to submit a formal declaration along with supporting documentation, such as a ZUS decision or a pension stub. The exemption takes effect on the first day of the month following the submission of the required documents.
Exemptions Beyond Income Criteria
Other groups besides low-income pensioners are eligible for fee waivers. While individuals over the age of 75 receive the exemption by law, those qualifying under income criteria must ensure their status is formally registered. Data from the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) shows that out of 4.7 million registered subscribers, nearly 2.6 million currently utilize various fee exemptions.
The Importance of Awareness and Compliance
Senior organizations emphasize that many eligible pensioners continue to pay fees simply due to a lack of awareness regarding their rights. Proactive management of ZUS indexation documents is critical, as salary adjustments can inadvertently disqualify a retiree from their existing relief. Filing the necessary paperwork remains the only way to ensure the exemption is honored.
