Poland’s ZUS announces new payment schedule for the 13th pension in 2026 with some seniors receiving funds earlier due to Easter holidays.
Changes to 13th Pension Payment Schedule
Changes to the payment of the 13th pension in 2026 do not require any applications to be filed. The differences only concern the days when transfers and payments will be made. ZUS pays pensions and benefits in six fixed dates each month: the 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th. If any of these falls on a public holiday, the benefit must be transferred earlier, on the last working day before that date.
Why Easter 2026 Affects Payment Dates
In April 2026, key is Easter Monday (April 6). It is this date that causes schedule shifts and means some seniors will receive the 13th pension before the holidays, while others will receive it after Easter. Due to the holidays, not all seniors will see money at the same time.
Amount of the 13th Pension in 2026
The 13th pension in 2026 is equal to the minimum pension after the March indexation. After the increase from March 1, the minimum benefit is approximately PLN 1,970.60 gross – and that’s exactly what the 13th pension will be gross. This is currently a forecast amount. The final amount will be known in the second half of February.
Who Will Receive the 13th Pension Earlier?
ZUS will only speed up those payments that fall on a holiday. In practice, this means that people with a date conflicting with Easter Monday will receive the 13th pension earlier – no later than April 3, 2026. The second group of seniors who will receive their pension with the “13th” faster are retirees with a payment date on the 25th of the month. In April, this falls on a Saturday, so seniors will receive money from ZUS earlier – no later than Friday, April 24, 2026.
No Application Required for 13th Pension
The Social Insurance Institution emphasizes that the 13th pension is a benefit paid automatically. Seniors do not need to take any action – except in situations where the account number or correspondence address has changed. It is outdated data that is the most common cause of delays in receiving money.
March Indexation and 13th Pension
The March indexation formally applies from March 1, but since this day falls on a Sunday, some payments will be made earlier – still at the end of February. This means that for some seniors, the higher pension will appear in their account before March begins, and the 13th in April will already be calculated according to the new rates.