A new Polish law signed by President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday will include days off for blood donation in the calculation of underground mining service time.
New Law on Miners’ Early Retirement
Days of leave granted for honorary blood donation will now be counted towards qualifying periods of underground mining work, performed consistently and full-time, which entitle miners to early retirement. This is according to a law signed by Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday.
Presidential Approval and Effective Date
President Karol Nawrocki signed the amendment to the Act on Pensions and Benefits from the Social Insurance Fund on February 13, 2026, as announced by the President’s Chancellery on Wednesday.
Eligibility Criteria for Miners’ Pensions
The amendment aims to allow miners to include days off for honorary blood donation in their qualifying periods of underground mining work, performed consistently and full-time, regardless of age. Currently, these days, while recognized as employment periods, are not included in the qualifying mining service for early retirement.
Requirements for Qualifying Service
The miners’ pension is exclusively based on a minimum service requirement of 25 years. The calculation considers only the actual work performed underground, measured in “descent days.” A minimum of 21 descent days per month is required to qualify a month as being worked consistently and full-time underground.
Implementation Timeline
The amendment will come into effect 14 days after its official publication. (PAP)