ZUS will compensate employees up to 30,000 PLN for recognized occupational diseases, with payouts dependent on the degree of health damage.
What is an Occupational Disease?
Occupational diseases typically develop over years due to work in harmful conditions or from performing repetitive tasks incorrectly. Key risk factors include exposure to chemical substances, dust, radiation, excessive physical strain, and biological agents.
Not every illness qualifies as an occupational disease. For a condition to be officially recognized and eligible for ZUS benefits, it must go through a specific legal procedure.
Crucially, an occupational disease can be diagnosed not only during employment but also after it has ended, as long as the symptoms manifest within the legally prescribed time frame.
The 2026 Official List of Occupational Diseases
The 2026 catalog of occupational diseases includes conditions resulting from prolonged exposure to chemical, biological, and physical factors. The most frequently diagnosed groups of diseases fall under these categories.
Compensation Amounts
The amount of compensation is determined by the percentage of health impairment. In 2026, these payouts can reach up to 30,000 PLN or more, depending on the severity of the disease.