New regulations in Poland, effective March 1, 2026, define limits on pension garnishments, protecting essential funds for approximately 272,000 indebted seniors.
Pension and Bailiffs in 2026: Which Benefits are Fully Protected?
A bailiff’s visit can be stressful for seniors, but regulations coming into force in 2026 clearly define the limits of garnishment. Certain benefits remain fully exempt from execution, and minimum amounts are guaranteed to cover basic living expenses.
Debt Among Seniors in Poland
Around 272,000 seniors in Poland are currently in debt, with the average amount owed exceeding 18,000 zł. The law precisely determines how much a bailiff can seize from a pension or benefit, and which payments remain untouchable.
Exemption Amounts – Minimum Living Funds
As of March 1, 2026, new exemption amounts from bailiff seizure will be in effect.
Exemption Amount for Various Debts
The exemption amount for debts such as loans, fines, overdue bills, credit card debt, or other unpaid loans is 1401.57 zł.
How Much Can a Bailiff Seize? Examples
The amount a bailiff can seize depends on the type of debt.
Example 1 – Bank Loan
With a gross pension of 3,000 zł, a bailiff can seize a maximum of 25% of the benefit, equaling 750 zł, leaving the senior with 2,250 zł.
Example 2 – Overdue Alimony
With the same 3,000 zł pension, a bailiff can seize up to 60%, or 1,800 zł, leaving 1,200 zł.
Example 3 – Care Home Fees (DPS/ZOL)
For a 1,000 zł fee, the bailiff can seize half, but must leave a minimum of 340 zł.
Example 4 – Supporting Benefit
Benefits paid regardless of income are fully protected and cannot be seized, even with substantial debts.
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Pensions – Full Protection
Additional annual pension payments in 2026 are completely exempt from execution.
Additional Protected Benefits
Protection also extends to supplementary allowances, benefits like 800+, 500+, Dobry Start, and the supporting benefit. For example, a senior with 5,000 zł in debt receiving a thirteenth pension of 1,978 zł in April will have those funds protected.
Beware of Errors in Banking Systems
Although transfers with additional pensions are appropriately marked, errors can occasionally occur. In case of accidental seizure:
Copyrighted material – all rights reserved.
Further distribution of the article with the publisher’s consent INFOR PL S.A. Purchase a license.
