Polish seniors will see higher pension payments and supplements starting March 2026, with all ZUS benefits set to increase by a projected 4.88%.
Pension Adjustment Mechanism
From March 1, 2026, seniors will receive higher payments, not just for basic pensions but for all supplements paid by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). The adjustment mechanism is straightforward: benefits increase by the inflation rate plus a portion of real wage growth. The government has adopted 4.88% in the budget project, with the final value to be determined in February 2026 after data publication from the Central Statistical Office.
Impact on Lowest Pensions
The lowest pension will increase from 1,878.91 zł to approximately 1,970.60 zł gross. Since many supplements are linked to the basic pension, they will automatically increase as well.
Supplements Subject to Adjustment
The adjustment of pensions and supplements includes care allowance, combatant allowance, energy allowance, and honorary benefits. Most ZUS supplements will be granted automatically without an application, though formal or health conditions must still be met in some cases.
Care Allowance 2026
The care allowance is one of the most popular additional benefits. From March 2026, it will increase to approximately 365 zł monthly. This supplement is not subject to PIT tax or deductions.
Combatant and Compensatory Allowances
The combatant allowance and the compensatory allowance paid with it will increase to approximately 365 zł and 54.79 zł respectively. These benefits are available to individuals with a decision from the Head of the Office for War Veterans and Repressed Persons.
Energy Allowance 2026
The energy allowance does not directly depend on ZUS adjustments but is increased annually by a separate announcement. For 2026, it is expected to be approximately 327.97 zł monthly, primarily benefiting combatants and recipients of combatant allowance as compensation for energy costs.
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Pensions
While commonly mentioned together, the thirteenth and fourteenth pensions operate under completely different rules. In 2026, both will be linked to the new minimum pension of approximately 1,970.60 zł gross, but only one will be paid in full to all seniors.
The thirteenth pension remains a universal benefit that every pensioner and disability pensioner will receive in 2026, regardless of their basic benefit amount. It will be paid automatically in spring without an application.
The fourteenth pension, also valued at approximately 1,970.60 zł gross, will only be paid in full to those whose basic pension or disability pension does not exceed the statutory income threshold (currently 2,900 zł gross). This benefit is gradually reduced if the basic benefit exceeds the limit.
Payment Timeline
The new rates will apply from March 1, 2026. Payments will be made on standard ZUS dates: the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, or 25th of the month, depending on the specific beneficiary’s schedule.
