Polish farmers face challenges with KRUS benefits and occupational diseases

Farmers in Poland are encountering significant difficulties in obtaining compensation from the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS) for occupational diseases, specifically Lyme disease. Although Lyme disease is recognized as an occupational disease for farmers and foresters under current regulations, a gap exists between the medical diagnosis and the granting of benefits.

Lawmaker Tadeusz Woźniak has raised concerns that farmers struggle to secure one-time compensation or other benefits, particularly when the disease is diagnosed late or when the exact moment of infection cannot be precisely identified. There are calls for a presumption of occupational exposure to simplify the process for those working in environments with constant tick exposure.

Additionally, requirements for agricultural pensions in 2026 remain strict. To qualify, women must be 60 and men 65, with at least 25 years of insurance coverage. The calculation of this seniority involves specific periods of contribution and farm work, with certain non-agricultural employment periods not counting toward the required tenure for specific age groups.