Polish pension system under scrutiny as retirees face compulsory contributions and payment schedule changes

Polish legislators and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy say that working retirees must continue to pay the 1.5% pension (rent) contribution, even though they will never receive a disability pension. Deputy Minister Sebastian Gajewski argues the fee funds family, widow and funeral benefits and that removing it would create employment‑cost disparities.

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) announced adjustments to July 2026 disbursement dates. Because certain scheduled payment days fall on weekends or holidays, some seniors will receive two transfers in the month – an early payout for the 5 July and 25 July deadlines, and an additional payment for those whose regular date is the 1st of the month.

Recent ZUS statistics show a sharp rise in high pensions: over 800 000 Poles now receive more than 7 000 zł a month, a 28.5 % increase year‑on‑year, while gender gaps persist.

In Germany, reforms introduced in 2023 eliminated the income cap for early retirees, leading to a noticeable increase in the share of pensioners who continue working and paying social‑security contributions.

Separately, ZUS reminds retirees that previously held documents such as green insurance cards, old ID papers or military service books can be used to recalculate initial pension capital, potentially increasing monthly benefits.