Polish teacher compensation benefit regulations

In Poland, a state-funded compensation benefit for teachers—a bridge pension designed to support educators following the war in Ukraine—is approaching its expiration date of August 31, 2026. While the average monthly payment has increased from approximately 2,800 zł in 2022 to over 4,400 zł in 2026, the number of recipients has decreased from more than 13,000 to under 10,000.

Recent developments highlight complications regarding the benefit's impact on the labor market. Current regulations prohibit recipients from engaging in additional school-based employment, a restriction that has contributed to teacher shortages. In response, inquiries have been directed to the Ministry of National Education seeking legislative changes that would allow recipients to perform short-term roles, such as temporary substitutions, without forfeiting their benefits.

Eligibility for the program requires at least 30 years of total service, including 20 years of teaching, and specific age thresholds (56 for women and 61 for men). While the group of eligible teachers was expanded in early 2026 to include vocational and artistic educators, the program is being phased out as the deadline nears.