Up to 4,500 PLN Annually from KRUS: Many Former Village Heads Remain Unaware of Benefits

Former village heads are eligible for a monthly supplement of 373.67 PLN gross from KRUS, totaling 4,484.04 PLN per year, provided they actively apply for this lifelong, index-linked benefit.

Benefit Rates and Eligibility

Following the most recent indexation effective March 1, 2026, the supplement for former village heads has increased to 373.67 PLN gross per month. This amounts to exactly 4,484.04 PLN of additional annual income. The benefit is lifelong and subject to annual indexation.

Eligibility depends on meeting specific statutory requirements, regardless of the size of your primary pension from ZUS or KRUS. You must be at least 60 years old for women or 65 for men, have served as a village head for at least seven years, hold active pension rights, and have no criminal record for specified offenses.

Application Procedures

The money is not awarded automatically; you must initiate an administrative procedure. Applications must be submitted personally or via mail to the local KRUS office relevant to your current place of residence.

If the municipality lacks documentation confirming your term—a common issue with records from the 1980s or 1990s—the law allows for an alternative procedure. You may submit a personal declaration supported by written statements from at least three witnesses who resided in the village during your tenure.

Tax Obligations and Deadlines

KRUS awards the benefit starting from the month in which a correctly completed application is received. Officials have up to 60 days to issue a decision and process the first payment. It is advisable to file promptly to avoid losing entitled months.

Although KRUS pays the full nominal amount without withholding income tax, the benefit is not tax-exempt. You are required to report and settle this annual gain in your personal income tax (PIT) return as revenue from other sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The supplement stands at 373.67 PLN gross as of March 1, 2026. Required documents for the application include the formal request, a certificate from the municipal office, and a statement of no criminal record.