ZUS confirms nursing supplement for Polish seniors 75+ will increase to PLN 365.91 monthly starting March 1, 2026.
Why is the nursing supplement growing more than was assumed?
The Central Statistical Office reported that inflation calculated specifically for households of pensioners and retirees in 2025 was 4.2%, higher than general inflation. This higher index must be considered when indexing senior benefits, along with the real wage increase, resulting in a higher raise than initially planned by the government.
Starting March 1, 2026, every person entitled to the nursing supplement will receive PLN 365.91 monthly, regardless of whether their pension is PLN 2,000 or PLN 6,000.
Who will get the 75+ nursing supplement in 2026?
The rules are simple and unchanged for years. The nursing supplement is available to all seniors aged 75 and above, with no income thresholds. It doesn’t matter if the senior has a side job, savings, or other benefits.
The only exception applies to those in nursing homes or care facilities, who are not eligible unless they spend more than two weeks outside the facility each month.
Do seniors need to apply to ZUS?
For people turning 75, the process is completely automatic. ZUS grants the supplement by office, and payments are made with the pension starting from the month following their birthday.
An application is only needed if the supplement is being granted based on a ruling of total inability to work and self-existence.
Common confusion between nursing supplement and nursing allowance
Many seniors confuse the ZUS nursing supplement with the municipality-paid nursing allowance. These are different benefits; the allowance currently stands at PLN 215.84 monthly but cannot be received simultaneously with the ZUS supplement.
If someone over 75 receives the nursing supplement while previously receiving the municipal allowance, ZUS will adjust payments and settle any overpayment, with the ZUS benefit being the one that remains.
Is the nursing supplement taxed and can it be seized?
Good news for seniors: the nursing supplement is completely tax-free and exempt from seizure by bailiffs. Even if a pension is partially seized, the nursing supplement remains entirely at the senior’s disposal.
The law treats it as a protective benefit specifically intended for care and health.