Supplement promised, but not to everyone: who is entitled to receive a fourteenth pension in Poland

Poland is once again announcing a “fourteenth pension” for pensioners, but not everyone will be able to receive it. Although the amount looks attractive, in reality, many people may be left without this supplement or receive a minimal amount.

In September this year, ZUS will make payments of additional funds to the basic pension. This payment will be accrued simultaneously with the usual pension payments, which are made on the 1st, 5th, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th, or 25th. The amount of this “additional pension” will correspond to the minimum pension in Poland, which is PLN 1,878.91 gross. After paying taxes, this is at least PLN 1,550-1,640 “in hand”.

It is important to remember the “zloty for zloty” rule. If your monthly income exceeds PLN 2,900 gross, the amount of the supplement is reduced by the same amount. For example, if your pension is PLN 4,000, you will only receive PLN 778.91 gross, which is equivalent to approximately PLN 695.

The compensation also has a limit, the lower limit of which is PLN 50 gross, which is approximately PLN 40 net. However, if the basic pension exceeds PLN 4,728.91 gross, there will be no additional payment. Also, if the pension is suspended (for example, due to high income) before payment, the “fourteenth” will not be calculated.

When the amendments take effect in July 2025, the total income will also include the widow’s or widower’s pension. If, together with this assistance, the total amount exceeds PLN 2,900 gross, the additional payment will either be reduced or canceled.

Despite all these restrictions, these funds are inviolable: they cannot be taken away by any executive body, and they do not affect the right to other types of social assistance.

Earlier, we reported on new rules for Ukrainian refugees in Poland – it is essential to know about changes in housing, payments, and employment.