ZUS Raises Income Thresholds for Family Pension Recipients
Starting June 2026, students and pupils receiving family pensions can earn more from summer employment without risking a reduction or suspension of their benefits due to updated income limits set by...
Starting June 2026, students and pupils receiving family pensions can earn more from summer employment without risking a reduction or suspension of their benefits due to updated income limits set by ZUS.
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New Earnings Thresholds Through August
As of June 1, family pensions are paid in full if monthly gross income does not exceed 6,694.10 PLN. These limits remain in effect until the end of August.
Gross income between 6,694.10 PLN and 12,431.80 PLN may result in a benefit reduction. Should earnings surpass 12,431.80 PLN gross, ZUS may suspend the pension payment entirely.
Pension Reductions and Multiple Beneficiaries
The reduction amount depends on the extent to which the income limit is exceeded, with the current maximum monthly reduction capped at 841.05 PLN.
If multiple individuals, such as siblings, share a single family pension, an income limit breach by one recipient affects only their portion of the benefit rather than the total amount due to others.
Determining Assessable Income
ZUS considers income subject to mandatory social security contributions, including standard employment contracts, service contracts, and specific tasks performed for one’s own employer. These types of earnings can lead to reduced or suspended benefits.
Exceptions for Young Workers
A key exemption applies to students and pupils under age 26. In principle, income from service contracts for this age group is not subject to social security contributions and does not affect the family pension.
However, an exception exists if the individual performs contract work for an employer with whom they simultaneously hold a standard employment contract. In this scenario, ZUS includes the contract income in the assessment.
Pension Calculations and Minimums
Family pension amounts are based on the benefits the deceased was entitled to or could have claimed. If multiple persons are eligible, they share a single collective benefit divided equally.
The total family pension cannot fall below the statutory minimum, which is currently 1,978.49 PLN gross per month. If the calculated amount is lower, ZUS increases the total benefit to meet this threshold.