Poland updates social security, pension limits, and welfare criteria

Poland is implementing several updates to its social security and welfare systems. The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has introduced new designs for pensioner identification cards, both physical and digital, to enhance security against forgery. Additionally, ZUS is managing the distribution of the 14th pension, which reached approximately 6.3 million recipients this year, though the number of eligible seniors has decreased by about 200,000 compared to the previous year.

Significant changes to benefit thresholds are also underway. From October 1, the income criterion for the alimony fund will increase from 1,209 PLN to 1,665 PLN net per family member, allowing more families to qualify. Regarding pensions, new income limits for working retirees will take effect in September 2026, and a legislative project is being considered to introduce seniority-based pensions (after 38 years for women and 43 for men). Furthermore, from January 2027, the widow's pension mechanism will change, increasing the share of the second benefit from 15% to 25%.

In the labor sector, the minimum wage is set to rise in 2027 to 4,950 PLN gross. Meanwhile, agricultural workers under KRUS are advocating for reforms to sickness benefits, arguing that the current 30-day waiting period and low daily rates are unfair, particularly for pregnant women.