Poland’s ZUS will increase care supplements by 5.3% starting March 1, 2026, with payments of up to 550 zł scheduled for February 27.
What is the Care Supplement Increase?
The 5.3% increase to care supplements is part of the same broader pension and benefit waloryzation (indexation) announced for 2026. This increase affects all supplements related to ZUS benefits.
ZUS typically pays benefits on the 1st of each month, but since March 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, payments will be processed earlier on February 27, 2026.
New Care Supplement Amounts for 2026
The current care supplement amount is 348.22 zł. After the 5.3% increase, the new amounts will be 366.68 zł and 550.02 zł.
The higher amount of 550.02 zł represents an increase of over 200 zł compared to just a few years ago. The increase is automatic – no application is needed if the supplement was already granted.
Gross vs. Net Amounts
The announced amounts of 366.68 zł and 550.02 zł are gross figures. However, for care supplements, there is effectively no difference between gross and net amounts.
The care supplement is exempt from income tax and health insurance contributions, meaning it is paid in full and does not reduce the base amount of other benefits.
Who Automatically Receives the Care Supplement?
The care supplement is automatically granted to individuals aged 75 and older without requiring medical certificates. ZUS awards the supplement by default and pays it together with the pension or disability benefit.
For individuals under 75, a medical assessment of total inability to work and live independently is required.
When to Apply for the Care Supplement
An application is only required if eligibility is based on a medical assessment of work incapacity and inability to live independently. The process includes submitting Form OL-9 and relevant medical documents.
No action is needed for seniors who have already reached 75 years of age.
Care Supplement vs. Care Allowance
These terms are often confused. The care supplement is paid by ZUS together with pensions or disability benefits. In contrast, the care allowance is part of the family benefits system and is granted to disabled children and individuals with significant disabilities.
The care allowance is paid by the local municipality where the person is registered.
Impact on Additional Benefits
The waloryzation also increases the base for the 13th and 14th pensions. A higher base amount automatically increases the gross amount of these additional benefits.
