Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will distribute 13th pensions in April 2026, but may subsequently require some recipients to repay the funds.
ZUS 13th Pension Repayments: The Basics
ZUS will begin distributing the 13th pension, amounting to 1978.91 złoty gross, in April 2026. However, some pensioners may be required to return these funds, depending on their financial situation as of a critical date and several regulations.
The Case of Mr. Marek
One pensioner, Mr. Marek, exceeded the earnings limit by several hundred złoty while supplementing his early retirement income in March. He received the 13th pension in April and spent a portion on Easter shopping, unaware that ZUS would soon issue a demand for nearly 2000 złoty in repayment.
The Crucial Date: March 31, 2026
The eligibility for the 13th pension hinges on an individual’s status on March 31, 2026. If a pension was suspended or not entitled on this date, the 13th pension is considered improperly received and subject to repayment, even if already spent.
Who Must Repay the 13th Pension in 2026?
ZUS first automatically pays out the 13th pension and then verifies eligibility. The key factor is the status on March 31, 2026. If the benefit was suspended or not due on that date, the 13th pension is deemed improperly collected.
Earnings Limits and the 13th Pension
Many repayment cases involve individuals supplementing their early retirement or disability pensions. As of March 2026, a new threshold of 130% of the average wage (11,957.20 złoty gross) applies. Exceeding this limit results in suspension of benefits and loss of the 13th pension.
Other Scenarios Triggering Repayment
Repayment isn’t limited to those supplementing their pensions. ZUS may demand repayment if a pension was granted based on false information, if the recipient’s financial situation changed, or if overpayment occurred due to an error.
How to Check Your Risk of Repayment
If you fall into any of the aforementioned categories, you may be at risk of having to repay the 13th pension.
The 13th Pension Amount and Repayment Details
In 2026, the 13th pension equals the minimum pension amount of 1978.91 złoty gross. This is the amount potentially subject to repayment. The net amount received will be lower due to health insurance contributions and income tax.
Gross vs. Net Repayment Amounts
While the ZUS decision specifies the gross amount to be repaid, the actual financial burden on the pensioner is closer to the net amount received, as taxes and health insurance contributions are calculated separately.
Why Repayment Demands Are Issued Later
ZUS’s process for seeking repayment of improperly paid 13th pensions is delayed. The institution first pays the benefit, then collects income data, performs an annual reconciliation, and finally issues a decision. This means demands may arrive months after the pension is received.
What to Do If You Receive a Repayment Demand
Ignoring the correspondence is the worst course of action. If you receive a demand, you should respond, and in many cases, it’s possible to arrange a payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About 13th Pension Repayments
Receiving the 13th pension does not guarantee you can keep it, as ZUS may still verify eligibility. Exceeding the earnings limit, even briefly, can trigger repayment. Knowledge of the earnings limit does not affect the decision, and ZUS can demand repayment even if the funds have been spent, with options for installment payments or partial debt forgiveness.