Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will raise lump-sum compensation rates for work-related accidents and occupational diseases starting April 1, 2026.
Eligibility for Lump-Sum Compensation
The lump-sum benefit is primarily available to insured individuals who have suffered permanent or long-term health impairment due to a work accident or occupational disease. Family members of the insured or pensioner who died as a result of such an event may also be eligible.
To qualify, family members must meet specific criteria outlined in the regulations, including being financially dependent on the deceased or living in the same household.
Compensation Amount for 1% Health Impairment in 2026
The amount of compensation remains based on the percentage of health impairment. This means the compensation increases proportionally to the degree of health deterioration. As of the current accounting period, the rate is 1781 złoty per percentage point of impairment.
Previously, the rate was 1636 złoty, representing an increase of 145 złoty for each percentage point of impairment. This translates to higher benefit amounts, especially in cases of more serious injuries.
Example of Benefit Increase
Mr. Marek suffered a broken leg with complications, resulting in 10% health impairment. If he had submitted his application in March, he would have received 16,360 złoty. Waiting until April after completing treatment would increase his compensation to 17,810 złoty – an additional 1,450 złoty for the same injury.
Benefits for Total Disability
Higher amounts are provided for individuals with the most severe health consequences. In the case of total disability, a lump-sum compensation of 31,162 złoty is provided.
Compensation After Family Member’s Death – Amounts and Payment Rules
Benefits paid to family members after the death of an insured person or pensioner are particularly important. The amount of compensation depends on the number and degree of kinship of the eligible persons.
Additional increases apply in cases with a larger number of eligible beneficiaries.
ZUS Procedure: How to Apply for Lump-Sum Compensation
For an injured person, the timing of the completion of treatment and rehabilitation is crucial. A full assessment of the permanence or long-term nature of the health impairment is possible only after this, forming the basis for applying for the benefit.
The situation is different for compensation for a deceased family member, where there is no specific deadline – the application can be submitted at any time after the death of the insured person or pensioner.
Required Documents for Lump-Sum Compensation
Thorough documentation of the injury and its effects can mean several thousand additional złoty in lump-sum compensation for the insured. Properly prepared documentation increases the chances of fully considering the degree of health impairment. Required documents include, but are not limited to, medical records and reports.
ZUS Lump-Sum Compensation: Procedure, Decision, and Appeal Options
Lump-sum compensation is one of the most frequently granted benefits within the accident insurance system. An examining physician or ZUS medical commission assesses the extent of the impairment and its connection to the work accident or occupational disease. Based on this, the Social Insurance Institution issues a decision regarding the granting and amount of the benefit.
The decision should be issued within 14 days of receiving the medical opinion or after clarifying all necessary circumstances. Payment of funds occurs within 30 days of the decision date. If the determined percentage of impairment seems underestimated, the insured has 30 days to appeal the ZUS decision to the labor and social security court, where independent court experts are often appointed. Proceedings in social security matters are free of court fees for employees.
When Can ZUS Refuse to Pay Compensation?
Compensation is not granted if the sole cause of the accident was the intentional or grossly negligent act of the employee – particularly a violation of occupational safety and health regulations. Refusal may also occur if the insured was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic substances and significantly contributed to the event.
However, these limitations do not apply in cases of fatal accidents – in such situations, benefit entitlements may accrue to family members.
