ZUS to cancel 315 million PLN in pre-1999 social security debts

The Polish Council of Ministers has adopted a draft bill to cancel social security debts owed to ZUS that originated before the January 1, 1999, system reform. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, aims to address approximately 315 million PLN in debt involving roughly 7,100 payers.

The decision is driven by economic pragmatism. Government estimates suggest that continuing to pursue these historical debts over the next decade would cost the state approximately 135 million PLN in collection efforts, while expected revenue would only reach about 13.9 million PLN. Furthermore, many payments made by debtors were being consumed by interest and enforcement costs rather than reducing the principal debt.

The cancellation will be automatic by law, covering the principal debt, interest, late fees, and enforcement costs. This process will also release associated mortgages and liens. To avoid bureaucracy, ZUS will notify debtors via their electronic platform (PUE ZUS) or traditional mail.

Notably, the debt cancellation will not apply to debts secured by mortgages, which involve about 3,800 payers. Additionally, individuals who wish to preserve their contribution history for pension calculations can opt out of the cancellation by submitting a statement to ZUS.