Polish pensioners are set to receive a significant financial boost this spring with the automatic disbursement of the 13th pension alongside their regular April payments. The ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) requires no application process, streamlining the delivery of this annual benefit. The gross amount of the 13th pension in is projected to be 1,970.60 PLN, though the net amount received will be reduced by mandatory health insurance contributions and income tax.
How the 13th Pension Works in
The 13th pension, a key component of Poland’s social welfare policies, is paid out in fixed dates throughout April, mirroring the regular pension payment schedule. According to ZUS, payments are typically made on the 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, payments are expedited to the preceding business day. Beneficiaries will receive a single payment encompassing both their standard pension and the 13th pension benefit. Crucially, the process is entirely automated; pensioners do not need to submit any forms or applications, as eligibility is determined by the ZUS based on statutory criteria.
Gross vs. Net: Understanding the Impact of Taxes
Based on government forecasts anticipating a 4.88% valuation adjustment, the gross 13th pension is expected to reach 1,970.60 PLN in . However, the actual amount pensioners receive will be lower due to mandatory deductions for health insurance and income tax. The net payout is directly linked to the individual’s regular pension amount. Those with higher pensions will experience a comparatively smaller net benefit due to the progressive tax system.
Concurrent Benefits: What About Those Receiving Multiple Pensions?
Individuals receiving benefits from multiple sources – such as ZUS and KRUS (Agricultural Social Insurance Fund) or combining an old-age pension with a disability pension – may wonder if they are entitled to multiple 13th pension payments. Krystyna Michałek, a regional spokesperson for ZUS in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, clarifies that each eligible individual receives only one annual additional payment. If a pensioner receives funds from both the agricultural and employee pension systems, the ZUS is responsible for the 13th pension disbursement. The same principle applies to family pensions shared among multiple beneficiaries, where the total amount is divided equally.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the 13th Pension?
Eligibility for the 13th pension is determined as of . Those entitled to receive old-age, disability, or survivor pensions from the general, agricultural, or uniformed services systems qualify. This includes recipients of bridging pensions, pre-retirement benefits, social pensions, and teacher’s compensatory and parental allowances. However, certain groups are excluded, including judges and prosecutors in retirement, and Olympic medalists. Individuals whose basic pension is suspended as of , will not receive the benefit. This often applies to those under the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) who have exceeded earnings limits while receiving a pension. Seniors who have reached the statutory retirement age can earn additional income without affecting their eligibility.
Projected Pension Rates from March : Gross and Net Estimates
The upcoming pension valuation, tied to the previous year’s inflation and a minimum of 20% of real wage growth, will impact both gross and net pension amounts. While definitive figures from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) will be available in February , estimates can be made. The valuation is currently projected at 4.9%.
Example: Current Pension of 3,000 PLN Gross
- Currently: 2,670 PLN Net
- After Valuation (assuming 4.9%): 3,147 PLN Gross
- New Net Amount: 2,786.13 PLN
- Gain for Pensioner: Additional 116.13 PLN per month, equating to an annual increase of 1,393.56 PLN.
Pension increases are based on both the inflation rate and a minimum 20% share of real wage growth. Currently, this is estimated at 4.9%, meaning each gross PLN of pension will be multiplied by 1.049. However, the net amount received is subject to health insurance and income tax deductions.
Illustrative Changes to Pensioner Income from March
For someone currently receiving 3,500 PLN gross (3,055 PLN net), the new gross amount will be 3,671.50 PLN, resulting in a net payout of approximately 3,190 PLN – an increase of over 135 PLN per month. For a higher pension of 5,000 PLN gross (4,210 PLN net), the post-valuation gross amount will be 5,245 PLN, translating to a net payout of around 4,403 PLN, a monthly gain exceeding 193 PLN.
Yearly Summary: How Much Will Seniors Benefit in ?
Even with the projected 4.9% valuation, pensioners stand to gain from several hundred to several thousand PLN net over the course of the year. For example, with a current pension of 3,000 PLN gross, the annual net income will increase by over 1,393 PLN.
13th Pension Payment Schedule: ZUS Timetable for
The 13th pension payments will begin on , distributed according to the standard pension payment schedule. ZUS typically makes payments on the 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th of each month. Payments scheduled for weekends or public holidays will be made on the preceding business day. Pensioners receiving payments on the 6th or 25th of the month will receive their 13th pension earlier than usual this year.
