First, there was valorisation, now thirteen will go to pensioners, then waiting for fourteen. Seniors will receive this next injection of cash in the second half of the year, but now some should be preparing for a great disappointment. Compared to 2024, some will get less money, there will be more those who will not get it at all. All because of statutory regulations, which according to experts are unfair. Will the government introduce changes?

Clarity on Pension Valorisation

First, there was a tension, now everything is clear. This year’s valorisation of pensions will be 5.5 percent, so much from March the pensions paid by ZUS will increase. The amount of thirteen and fourteen also depends on the family, work and social policy recently announced by the ministry, work and social policy. Both benefits are equal to the amount of the minimum pension, which after spring valorisation will amount to exactly 1,878 PLN and 91 gross gross.

How Much Will the Fourteenth Pension be in 2025?

While in the case of thirteen the gross amount for all seniors will be the same, in the case of fourteen the matter looks completely different. According to the statutory regulation, the fourteen is due to those whose pension does not exceed 2,000 PLN 900 gross. If they receive more, then the additional benefit is reduced in accordance with the zloty principle for a zloty, with the minimum fourteen, which can be paid, is PLN 50 gross.

Problematic Limit

The trouble is that this threshold of 2,000 PLN 900 is entered in the Act permanently. Meanwhile, due to annual valorisation, the number of those pensioners, which fourteen is due and the number of those who receive the supplement in a reduced amount.

How this year’s valorisation will affect the height of the fourteen. The calculations were presented by “Fakt” pensioners whose benefit after valorisation will not exceed the border of 2,000 PLN 900 gross may expect fourteen higher than a year ago. Those who exceed the statutory limit will get less than in 2024.

The Fourteenth Pension 2025: These Seniors Will Get More Money

The exact calculations were presented by “Fakt”. If the current gross pension is PLN 1,700, PLN 1547 comes out on hand. In 2024, fourteen on hand amounted to PLN 1502, PLN 67. After valorisation, the retirement pension will be 1632.08. The fourteen W2025 will amount to PLN 1568.81.

Here is another example, with larger amounts, which, however, do not exceed the statutory threshold of 2,000 PLN 900. If the current pension is PLN 2,800 gross, PLN 2512 comes out on hand. This situation in 2024 fourteen on hand was PLN 1406.67. After valorisation, the retirement pension will amount to PLN 2633.66. In 2025, fourteen will amount to PLN 1441, 81.

The Fourteenth Pension 2025: These Seniors Will Get Less Money

What are the calculations when the pension or disability pension indicated in the provisions exceeds? If the current pension is PLN 3,400 gross, then PLN 2986 comes out on hand. In 2024, fourteen on hand amounted to PLN 1011.95. As the diary calculates, after valorisation the pension on hand will amount to PLN 3133.73. In 2025, fourteen on hand W2025 is 941, 64 PLN.

And another example, with a larger amount. If the current pension is PLN 4,000 gross, then PLN 3,460 comes out on hand. In 2024, fourteen on hand amounted to PLN 537.95. After valorisation, the retirement pension will amount to PLN 3,633.80. The fourteen on hand this year will amount to PLN 441, 53.

This is Not Fair

As “Fakt” notes, experts have long emphasized that the threshold in fourteen is not fair. only the height is taken into account pensions the pension, not the real property situation of the senior. You can imagine the situation that someone has a low pension, but has additional income, e.g. from renting several apartments. And such a fourteen person will get, although his financial situation does not have to be bad at all—says Tomasz Lasocki, an expert on social insurance at the Warsaw University of Technology, in an interview with Gazeta.

Will the Government Introduce Changes?

Will there be changes in fourteen? For now, nothing is said about it, but as the daily indicates, there is a gate in the regulations, which allows the government to determine fourteen in a given year in a higher amount than it results from the provisions.

Comparisons with the U.S. Social Security System

In contrast, the U.S. Social Security system does not have a similar threshold for additional benefits. The U.S. system provides a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) based on inflation, which affects all retirees equally. This means that regardless of the pension amount, all beneficiaries receive the same percentage increase. For example, in 2024, the COLA was 3.2%, benefiting all retirees uniformly.

Potential Counterarguments

Critics of the U.S. Social Security system argue that the uniform COLA does not account for individual financial needs. For instance, a retiree with a higher income might not need as much of an increase as someone with a lower income. This is a valid point, but it also highlights the complexity of designing a fair and effective pension system. In Poland, the current system aims to provide additional support to those with lower pensions, but it faces criticism for not considering the overall financial situation of the beneficiaries.

Future Implications

As Poland continues to grapple with these issues, it is crucial for policymakers to consider the broader financial context of pensioners. This includes not just their pension income but also other sources of revenue, such as rental income, investments, and savings. By taking a more holistic approach, the government can ensure that the additional benefits are distributed more fairly and effectively.

Conclusion

The changes in the Polish pension system highlight the challenges of balancing fairness and financial sustainability. While the current system aims to provide additional support to lower-income pensioners, it faces criticism for not considering the overall financial situation of beneficiaries. As the government considers potential changes, it is essential to take a holistic approach that accounts for all sources of income and ensures that the benefits are distributed fairly and effectively.

Key Developments in Poland’s Pension System for 2025

What are the main changes to the pension system in Poland for 2025?

In 2025, pensioners in Poland will experience changes due to the valorisation, resulting in increases to the “thirteen” and “fourteen” pensions. While the valorisation will increase pensions by 5.5 percent, starting in March ,some pensioners may face surprises. Those on pensions exceeding PLN 2,000 900 gross might receive less than the previous year or not receive these benefits at all as of statutory regulations described as unfair by experts [[1]].

In 2025, poland’s pension system will see important changes due to valorisation. Pensions will increase by 5.5% starting in March .The “thirteen” and “fourteen” pensions, which are supplementary benefits, will also rise to match the minimum pension, set at 1,878 PLN 91 gross after the spring valorisation. Though, the statutory regulations mean that some pensioners, particularly those whose pensions exceed PLN 2,000 900 gross, may receive these benefits in a reduced amount or not at all [[1]].