Providing great news for thousands of Polish seniors, the village head supplement will increase to 373.67 PLN monthly starting March 2026 upon meeting specific service criteria.
New Indexed Amounts and Payment Status
As of March 1, 2026, the village head supplement has undergone its annual indexation, increasing to 373.67 PLN per month, totaling 4,484.04 PLN annually. This lifelong supplement is paid regardless of the amount of the basic pension received from ZUS or KRUS. The first wave of May payments is currently being processed, with some recipients receiving funds in late April if their payment date fell on May 1 or 3.
Eligibility and Service Requirements
To receive this supplement, seniors must have served as a village head for at least seven years and reached retirement age (60 for women and 65 for men). There is no longer a requirement to have served two full terms; the total time spent in office is what matters, regardless of whether the service occurred before or after 1990. The benefit is available to both ZUS and KRUS pensioners.
Application Procedures and Document Verification
The supplement is not granted automatically and must be formally requested from KRUS. If a mayor or commune head cannot provide archival records, the written testimony of three witnesses—residents of the village during the period of service—can be used to prove tenure. Decisions are typically issued within 30 days, but individuals convicted of crimes committed in connection with their role as a village head are ineligible.
Payment Schedules and Common Errors
For May payments, those due on the 10th, 15th, or 20th should expect transfers on those exact days. A frequent mistake made by seniors is neglecting the required declaration of non-criminality regarding the specific duties of a village head. Such formal omissions can delay cash receipt until June, so it is vital to ensure all declarations are current.
Total Financial Benefits
For those meeting the seven-year service criterion who apply in May, the total benefit received through the end of 2026 will be 2,989.36 PLN. For many households, this amount represents the equivalent of an additional thirteenth and fourteenth pension combined. Application forms can be obtained from the official KRUS website, at any local KRUS branch, or at certain municipal offices.
