Poland’s social benefits will increase by 5.3% from March 1, 2026, with minimum benefits rising to 1,978.49 zł.
Benefit Indexation for 2026
In 2026, benefits have been increased by the indexation rate of approximately 5.3%. This is the result of the annual update of benefits, which takes into account inflation and wage growth from the previous year. After indexation, minimum benefits will be increased by 99.58 zł.
This means that from March 1, the lowest pension, family pension, and pension for total disability will amount to 1,978.49 zł gross. The social pension will also rise to this same level. Meanwhile, the pension granted for partial disability will reach 1,483.87 zł gross.
Social Benefit Details and Eligibility
The social benefit is intended for individuals who are completely unable to work due to permanent impairment of physical fitness, where the cause occurred before completing age 18 (or 25). In practice, it provides minimal subsistence for individuals who, due to early chronic disabilities, never had the opportunity to take up full-time employment.
From March 1, 2026, the social benefit will be increased to 1,978.49 zł. Right to this benefit is established after meeting all required criteria, but payment duration depends on the nature of the disability. The benefit is granted indefinitely when total disability has a permanent character without prospects of improvement.
Family Benefit Information
From March 1, 2026, the minimum family pension will amount to 1,978.49 zł gross. If after recalculation the total benefit amount is lower, ZUS will automatically adjust it to this level. The family pension constitutes one combined benefit for all entitled persons, divided equally among all recipients.
Right to the family benefit is granted to family members of a person who, at the time of death, had established a retirement pension or disability pension. Entitled individuals include children and grandchildren of the deceased, siblings, spouse (widow or widower), and parents who may also receive benefits after their children.
Training Benefit Overview
A person entitled to a disability pension may also apply for a training benefit if they have a certificate stating the need for vocational retraining due to the inability to perform their previous occupation. This benefit is typically granted for 6 months, but at the request of the district mayor, the payment period may be extended to a maximum of 36 months.
The amount of the training benefit is 75% of the calculation basis of the disability pension for total disability, which means it does not depend on the length of insurance contribution. After indexation from March 1, 2026, the training benefit will amount to 1,483.87 zł gross per month.
Automatic Adjustment Process
The annual indexation of pensions and benefits is carried out automatically, meaning entitled persons do not need to submit applications or take additional actions. The Social Insurance Institution carries out the benefit increases on its own initiative.
The new pension or benefit amount can be checked after logging into the individual account in the eZUS system. Every pensioner and beneficiary will receive an official administrative decision with information about the recalculation of the benefit.