Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is now providing honorarium benefits to over 4,100 centenarians, reflecting a growing elderly population.
Record Number of Centenarians in Poland
The number of people receiving the honorary benefit for reaching 100 years of age is steadily increasing, according to data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). As of the end of March 2026, 4,179 seniors across the country were receiving the benefit, which amounts to nearly 7,000 złoty.
The highest concentration of centenarians resides in the Masovian and Silesian voivodeships.
Dynamic Growth in the Centenarian Population
The latest data from ZUS indicates a consistent rise in Poland’s centenarian population. Over the last six months, the group of individuals eligible for the special allowance has increased by over 300 seniors.
At the end of September 2025, 3,863 of Poland’s oldest citizens received the honorary benefit. This number exceeded 4,000 in December, and reached 4,179 benefit recipients by the end of March 2026.
Regional Trends in Benefit Recipients
This trend is particularly visible in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, where 178 people currently receive the benefit, compared to 117 at the end of 2022. The largest number of people receiving the honorary benefit from ZUS live in the Masovian (724 people), Silesian (436 people), and Lower Silesian (399 people) voivodeships.
Improved Benefit Valorization Rules
Wojciech Dyląg, a regional press spokesman for ZUS in Subcarpathia, emphasizes that the legal situation for the oldest seniors has significantly improved since 2025. For over half a century, the amount of the so-called honorary pension was tied to the centenarian’s birthday and remained unchanged for life.
“This caused differences in the amount of benefits received by people who received them in different years, because the fixed amount was not subject to valorization,” explains the spokesman. New legislative regulations have eliminated this mechanism.
“A uniform benefit amount has been introduced for all eligible individuals, regardless of their 100th birthday. It currently amounts to 6,938.92 złoty gross, and this amount will increase each year through valorization,” adds Dyląg.
Applying for the Benefit: Is an Application Necessary?
The honorary benefit is due to every Polish citizen after reaching the age of 100. For those already receiving a pension or disability benefit, the allowance is granted automatically.
“This means they do not have to submit any application. The senior will receive a decision to grant the money from the institution that pays their basic benefit,” informs ZUS.
Application Requirements for Non-Pensioners
Submitting an application (form ESH) is only necessary for centenarians who are not entitled to a pension or disability benefit. However, they must demonstrate that their center of personal or economic interests has been in Poland for at least 10 years after reaching the age of 16. In addition to ZUS, KRUS and departmental pension funds also pay a special allowance to their pensioners.