Starting April 13, 2026, Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will implement changes to disability assessment procedures and employment practices for assessors.
ZUS Reform Begins April 13th: New Regulations and Professions
A significant reform of the ZUS system will take effect on April 13, 2026, altering how pensions and benefits are awarded. The changes aim to reduce waiting times and incorporate new professions into the assessment process, while also opening ZUS to new forms of employment.
The new regulations, stemming from legislation passed on December 18, 2025, represent another stage in the reform of the assessment system.
Faster Decisions with Expanded Professional Roles
The key change involves expanding the range of professionals authorized to issue assessments, intended to shorten waiting times. This means that some responsibilities will be delegated to other medical professionals.
New Professional Groups Require Specialized Training
New professional groups will need to undergo specialized training covering assessment standards, procedures, and legal foundations. Appeals will be possible for assessments issued by physiotherapists or nurses, with cases reviewed by medical commissions composed of doctors until the end of 2026.
Shift in Employment Practices: Service Contracts Replace Permanent Positions
Previously, ZUS assessors were employed on permanent contracts. The new regulations introduce greater flexibility, allowing assessors to collaborate with ZUS through service contracts as well.
Easier Path for Non-Specialist Doctors
Becoming a ZUS assessor will no longer require specialist qualifications. Doctors without specialization will be able to work at the Social Insurance Institution.
Streamlining and Accelerating the Assessment Process
The ZUS reform aims to simplify and accelerate the assessment process. Assessors will still be able to consult with specialist doctors, psychologists, and request additional tests or hospital observations if patient documentation is insufficient.
Key Changes in ZUS: What They Mean for Patients
From April 13th, nurses and physiotherapists will also issue assessments, and ZUS will be open to doctors without specialization. However, these changes are not expected to significantly impact patients, with the primary goal being to reduce backlogs and improve access to benefits and rehabilitation.