Poland will increase unemployment benefit amounts starting June 2026, based on statutory indexation and length of employment history.
Unemployment Benefit Increases Scheduled for 2026
Important changes are coming in June 2026 for individuals registered with Polish labor offices. Statutory indexation will increase unemployment benefit amounts.
From June 1, 2026, individuals losing their jobs can expect higher unemployment benefits. Benefit amounts depend on employment history, but registration with the district labor office and meeting specific conditions are required.
Benefit Amounts Based on Employment Duration
The amount of unemployment benefit is dependent on several factors, primarily the length of the claimant’s employment history. The following rates will be in effect from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027:
Basic Benefit (100%)
For those with up to 20 years of employment history, the gross benefit will be 1,783.90 zł for the first 90 days, decreasing to 1,400.90 zł thereafter. The net benefit (“take-home pay”) will be 1,623.35 zł and 1,274.82 zł respectively.
Enhanced Benefit (120%)
Individuals with over 20 years of employment history will receive a gross benefit of 2,140.68 zł for the first 90 days, decreasing to 1,681.08 zł. The corresponding net benefits will be 1,948.02 zł and 1,529.78 zł.
Rates in Effect from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026
From June 1, 2025, unemployment benefits are granted in two variants, depending on the claimant’s employment history.
The basic benefit applies to those with up to 20 years of qualifying employment. The benefit is 1,721.90 zł gross (1,566.93 zł net) for the first 90 days, reducing to 1,352.20 zł gross (1,230.50 zł net) after three months.
The enhanced benefit applies to those with over 20 years of employment history. It is 2,066.40 zł gross (1,880.33 zł net) for the first 90 days, reducing to 1,622.70 zł gross (1,476.66 zł net) thereafter.
Eligibility Requirements
A fundamental condition for receiving unemployment benefits is sufficient employment history. Applicants must demonstrate at least 365 days of employment within the 18 months prior to registering with the labor office.
During this period, earnings must be at least the minimum wage, with social insurance contributions and contributions to the Labor Fund being paid (excluding unpaid leave exceeding 30 days). The minimum wage in 2026 is 4,806 zł gross monthly (compared to 4,666 zł in 2025). Educational leave and disability pension also count towards the required period.
Meeting the employment history requirement alone is insufficient. The termination of employment must be due to reasons related to the employer, such as job elimination. Registration as unemployed and the lack of a suitable job offer from the labor office are also necessary.
Registration and Unemployment Status
To obtain unemployed or job-seeking status, an application must be submitted. Registration can be done online via the labor office’s electronic system or in person at the district labor office for the place of residence.
Duration of Benefits in 2026
Standard unemployment benefits are paid for 180 days. However, in some cases, support can be extended to up to 12 months for those meeting specific criteria.
Who is Ineligible for Benefits in 2026?
The law specifies situations where unemployment benefits are not payable.
Contact with the Labor Office
As of June 1, 2025, regular visits to the labor office to confirm readiness to work are no longer mandatory. Unemployed individuals now decide when to contact a labor office employee – at least once every 90 days. Contact can be in person, by phone, or online, as agreed with the official. Failure to meet this deadline results in automatic deregistration.
