Poland's ZUS raises 14th pension payout by up to 225 zł

Poland’s social‑security agency ZUS announced that the additional 14th pension (the “czternastka”) paid in September 2026 can be increased by up to 225 zł for seniors who submit the EPD‑21 form, which removes the health‑insurance contribution and PIT advance. The base amount matches the minimum pension of 1 978.49 zł gross; after the form the net benefit can rise from about 1 800 zł to 2 025 zł depending on the original pension level.

In March 2026 ZUS applied a 5.3 % wage‑indexation to all pensions, rents and allowances, raising the statutory minimum pension to 1 978.49 zł gross and the average pension to about 4 490 zł gross. The agency mailed over 8.8 million letters that combined the indexation decision with the 13th‑pension (“trzynastka”) award, also set at 1 978.49 zł.

Data released by ZUS show a widening gap between low and high earners: roughly 800 000 retirees now receive over 7 000 zł, and about 190 000 earn more than 10 000 zł, including a record‑high pension of roughly 54 000 zł for a 86‑year‑old former worker. The “Mama 4 plus” supplement for child‑rearing seniors now tops out at the minimum pension level, with an average payout of 1 083.23 zł and around 60 000 beneficiaries. A recent statistical report also noted a small but growing group receiving pensions below 100 zł.

Separately, ZUS leadership will change: President Zbigniew Derdziuk steps down on 24 June, with Liwiusz Laska identified as the leading candidate to succeed him.