Polish pensioners and benefit recipients will see a 5.3 percent increase in their payments starting , according to official announcements. The increase, impacting millions across the country, will be applied automatically, requiring no application from beneficiaries.
The valuation index for pensions and disability benefits in has been set at 105.3 percent. This figure is calculated based on the average annual price index of goods and services for retiree and pensioner households from the previous year, increased by at least 20 percent of the real growth in average wages during the same period. The valuation applies to all benefits granted through .
As a result of this valuation, the minimum pension, family pension, and disability pension will rise by 99.58 złoty to 1,978.49 złoty gross. The social pension will also be increased to 1,978.49 złoty. A partial disability pension will be raised to 1,483.87 złoty, effective .
Beyond the basic benefit increases, supplementary benefits will also be adjusted. Effective , these will include a care allowance of 366.68 złoty, an orphan’s allowance of 689.17 złoty, a care allowance for war veterans (totally disabled) of 550.02 złoty, an energy allowance of 336.16 złoty, a pre-retirement benefit of 1,993.76 złoty gross, a rescue benefit for volunteer firefighters of 288.00 złoty, a veteran’s allowance of 366.68 złoty, an allowance for secret teaching of 366.68 złoty, and an honorary benefit for centenarians of 6,938 złoty.
The upper limit for supplementary benefits for individuals unable to support themselves will also increase, rising by 135.28 złoty to 2,687.67 złoty.
The final valuation rate stems from data released by Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) regarding average wage growth in , which showed a real increase of 5.5 percent compared to . Combined with the previously reported average price increase for retiree and pensioner households of 4.2 percent in , the valuation index reaches 5.3 percent, as mandated by the Act on Pensions and Disability Insurance.
The valuation process is designed to offset the decline in purchasing power caused by inflation. The index is calculated by adding at least 20 percent of the real wage growth to the average price increase for retiree households. This year, the 20 percent component adds 1.1 percentage points to the valuation, resulting in the 5.3 percent increase.
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will issue decisions to each beneficiary detailing the new amount of their benefit. The minimum guaranteed pension will increase to 1,978.49 złoty, a rise of 99.58 złoty. The minimum disability pension will also rise to 1,978.49 złoty, an increase of 99.58 złoty. Minimum family pension levels will also be adjusted upwards.
ZUS, the national social insurance institution of Poland, announced an expected annual raise as of , of 5.5 percent. This increased the quarterly payment from 2,038.20 złoty to 2,139.48 złoty, an increase of 101.28 złoty, equivalent to approximately $26 USD as of . The new quarterly payment was approximately $541 USD at that time. Beneficiaries receiving the special centenarian pension saw a 5.5% increase, resulting in a new monthly payment of 6,589.67 złoty, equivalent to approximately $1,665.16 USD as of .
Beneficiaries will receive a letter detailing the increase sometime in May.
