Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will distribute approximately 4.7 billion Zloty to nearly 2.4 million retirees and beneficiaries before the upcoming holidays.
ZUS Announces Early Payout of 13th Pension
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has begun the payout of the 13th pension, benefiting almost 2.4 million pensioners and beneficiaries before the holidays. This applies to those receiving benefits on the 1st and 6th of the month, ZUS announced on Tuesday.
Payment Schedule and Acceleration
The additional annual cash benefit, known as the 13th pension, will be paid alongside April pensions or benefits. Payouts will occur on April 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th, as well as May 1st. ZUS accelerated payments for April 6th, which falls on Easter Monday, ensuring funds are available by April 3rd.
Bank Transfers and Total Amount
Funds will be sent to post offices by March 31st for delivery to beneficiaries. For those receiving bank transfers, ZUS will transfer funds to banks on April 2nd. This acceleration affects over 1.5 million people and exceeds 3 billion Zloty.
Total Beneficiaries and Future Projections
ZUS reports that almost 2.4 million people will receive over 4.7 billion Zloty gross before the holidays. The institution estimates that the 13th pension will reach over 10 million people this year.
13th Pension Amount in 2026
In 2026, the benefit amount will correspond to the minimum pension after revaluation, totaling 1978.49 Zloty gross. No deductions are made from the 13th pension amount, and ZUS pays it automatically without requiring an application.
Eligibility Criteria
The additional annual cash benefit is available to individuals entitled to a pension – including bridge pensions, periodic capital pensions, and partial pensions – as well as disability pensions, including pensions for war veterans and military personnel, accident pensions, social pensions, family pensions, and parental supplementary benefits, among others, as of March 31st.
Family Pension Distribution
For family pensions with multiple beneficiaries, only one 13th pension is allocated, regardless of the number of eligible individuals. This amount is divided among all those entitled to the family pension, based on the amount as of March 31st.
Multiple Benefit Recipients
Individuals entitled to at least two benefits, such as a ZUS and KRUS pension or a pension paid with an accident pension, are only eligible for one 13th pension. If benefits are paid by two different pension institutions, including ZUS, ZUS will pay the 13th pension.