13th Pension in 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Payment Dates
Polish pensioners and individuals receiving certain disability benefits are set to receive a supplemental payment this spring, commonly referred to as the “13th pension,” alongside their regular April payments. The payment, mandated by law, will be automatically disbursed by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) without requiring any application from eligible recipients.
Who is Eligible for the 2026 “13th Pension”?
The “13th pension,” formally known as the additional annual cash benefit, is available not only to retirees but also to individuals who meet specific statutory requirements, even those under the traditional retirement age. As of , individuals must have a legally established right to one of several types of benefits, including:
- Pensions and annuities under the general system
- Farmers’ pensions and annuities
- Uniformed services pensions and annuities
- Bridge pensions
- Pre-retirement benefits and allowances
- Social pensions
- Teacher’s compensatory allowance
- Parental supplementary allowance
- War veterans’ and military invalidity pensions
Individuals receiving multiple benefits will only receive one “13th pension” payment. In the case of a family pension shared by multiple individuals, the benefit will be divided equally among all eligible recipients.
Importantly, eligibility extends beyond traditional retirees. Individuals as young as 18 may qualify if they receive a disability pension, provided they meet certain conditions related to their insurance history. Specifically, they must have been registered for insurance before turning 18, or within six months of completing secondary or higher education, and have a qualifying period of contributions or non-contributory periods before the onset of their disability.
Who is Not Eligible?
Individuals who have their pension or benefit rights suspended as of , will not receive the “13th pension.” This includes those who exceed the legal earnings threshold while receiving benefits.
Pension or annuity rights are suspended if an individual’s income exceeds 130% of the average monthly wage for the preceding quarter, as announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office (GUS). As of to , this threshold was 11,403.30 złoty. From , the limit increased to 11,957.20 złoty.
However, We find exceptions. Individuals who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) can earn income without suspension of benefits. Those receiving partial pensions, war veteran pensions, or family pensions related to such pensions are also exempt.
Payment Amount and Timing
The gross amount of the “13th pension” in 2026 is projected to be 1,978.49 złoty, aligning with the minimum pension amount. The net amount received will be reduced by mandatory health insurance contributions and income tax. Unlike the “14th pension,” there is no provision for the government to increase the “13th pension” amount above the minimum pension level based on economic conditions.
The “13th pension” will be paid alongside regular pension payments in April and May 2026, following the standard ZUS payment schedule. Due to the proximity of Easter – falling on and in 2026 – payments normally scheduled for those dates will be expedited to . The revised schedule is as follows: , (for those scheduled for April 5th & 6th), , , , and (for those scheduled for April 25th).
Recipients of pre-retirement benefits or allowances will receive the “13th pension” with their May 2026 payment.
No Application Required
The “13th pension” will be paid automatically to eligible individuals. No application is required. ZUS will send a decision confirming the benefit amount to each eligible recipient. Individuals who believe they have been wrongly denied the benefit, or received an incorrect amount, can appeal the decision to the district court – labor and social security division – within one month of receiving the decision.
The “13th pension” is exempt from certain deductions, including enforcement actions, but is subject to health insurance contributions and income tax.