Poland's ZUS announces higher earnings limits for pensioners and a new orphan supplement

From 1 March 2026 the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will apply new monthly income thresholds for people receiving a pension or disability benefit. A "safe" threshold of 6 438.50 zł (70 % of the average wage) allows the full pension to be paid. Earnings between 6 438.50 zł and 11 957.20 zł (up to 130 % of the average wage) trigger a proportional reduction of the benefit. Income above 11 957.20 zł will lead to a suspension of the pension for that month. The rules apply to incapacity, family and social pensions, and beneficiaries must report any employment or business income to ZUS to avoid later repayment.

At the same time ZUS will introduce a monthly orphan supplement of 689.17 zł for recipients of a family pension when the child is an orphan under the specified conditions. The supplement is granted after filing the ERRD form together with the required death and birth documents, and ZUS aims to issue a decision within 30 days.