The Central Statistical Office presented the latest data on the median wage, which in September amounted to PLN 7,145.33 gross, meaning that half of the working population receives less than PLN 5,250 net. Simultaneously, the Social Insurance Institution announced an acceleration of valorized benefit payments and preparations for the introduction of seniority-based pensions, which would allow certain professional groups to end their working lives up to seven years earlier.

Median Wage vs National Average

GUS indicated that the median earnings are 20% lower than the average, meaning the real incomes of most Poles are lower than the commonly declared average wages.

Reform of Seniority-Based Pensions

ZUS is preparing regulations enabling retirement 7 years earlier after demonstrating an appropriate insurance period, responding to social demands.

Valorization and Thirteenth Pensions

The March valorization raised benefit limits, including the widow's pension to nearly PLN 6,000, and payments of thirteenth pensions will proceed according to an accelerated schedule.

Tax Refunds via e-PIT

Taxpayers have a chance to recover up to PLN 3,600 as part of the annual settlement, with the fastest refunds going to those using digital services.

The Central Statistical Office published a report on the structure of remuneration in the national economy, shedding new light on the financial situation of citizens. The data shows that the average gross salary, amounting to PLN 7,145.33, is significantly higher than the median, suggesting a strong influence of top earners on the national average. In practice, half of Poles receive net amounts not exceeding PLN 5,250, which is a key indicator for assessing the real purchasing power of households. The comparison shows that the wages of the top 10% of wealthiest workers are growing faster than those of the lowest earners, deepening the wealth disparity in the country. An interesting phenomenon was also noted in the ranking of municipalities, where new data indicates a change in the leader in terms of the highest average earnings of residents. The system for collecting data on the median of earnings by GUS was reformed in recent years to better reflect economic reality, moving away from reporting only average wages in large enterprises. In the area of social benefits, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is implementing a series of significant modifications. The most important of these is the project to introduce a seniority-based pension, which could shorten the working time by up to seven years for individuals with long insurance records. Simultaneously, from March, a valorization of pensions and disability benefits, including the so-called widow's pension, has taken place, whose maximum amount after valorization in 2026 is PLN 4,613.15. The institution also informs about accelerating the payment dates for March benefits so that seniors receive funds ahead of the planned schedule. The tax office, in turn, reminds about the possibility of recovering overpaid tax as part of the e-PIT settlement for 2025, which for some taxpayers could mean a refund of around PLN 3,600. Poland struggles with one of the lowest retirement ages in Europe alongside worsening demographics, which sparks constant debate about the stability of the Social Insurance Fund. Controversy is stirred by reports of individuals receiving benefits worth nearly PLN 7,000 per month without having worked a single day, resulting from specific regulations concerning social pensions and care allowances. ZUS has also completed the verification process for eligibility for additional payments for selected groups of pensioners, including the PLN 200 supplement for those eligible for compensatory benefits. It is worth noting that the upcoming payments of the so-called thirteenth pensions will not be subject to bailiff seizure in the case of teachers, which sets an important legal precedent. Meanwhile, farmers must prepare for an increase in mandatory social insurance contributions, which will come into effect on April 1, 2026. „Mediana wynagrodzeń we wrześniu wyniosła 7145,33 zł brutto i jest o blisko 20 proc. niższa od przeciętnego wynagrodzenia.” (The median wage in September amounted to PLN 7,145.33 gross and is nearly 20% lower than the average wage.) — Central Statistical Office