Poland proposes automatic write-off of 315 million PLN in ZUS debts

The Polish government, through the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, is preparing a proposal to automatically write off approximately 315 million PLN in old social security debts. The plan targets arrears owed to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) that originated before January 1, 1999.

The measure is expected to affect roughly 7,100 payers. Officials noted the low effectiveness of pursuing these quarter-century-old debts, which currently generate only about 4 million PLN in annual revenue, primarily from derivative claims rather than the principal amounts.

Under the proposed legislation, the write-off would occur automatically by law, removing the need for debtors to submit individual applications or for ZUS to issue thousands of administrative decisions. The project also includes provisions for payers who may wish to opt out of the automatic cancellation for specific reasons.