From March 1, 2026, a 5.3% Indexation: Pensions, Disability Benefits, and Supplements Increase

From March 1, 2026, ZUS and KRUS will conduct the annual indexation of benefits at a level of 5.3%. As March 1 falls on a Sunday, some payments will be made earlier (February 27 was indicated as the date for the first increased transfers, among others). After indexation, the minimum pension is to amount to 1,978.49 PLN gross. Supplements paid together with benefits will also increase, including the care allowance to 366.68 PLN per month, and for some war invalids – to 550.02 PLN. The changes will also apply to agricultural benefits, and in April, eligible KRUS recipients are to receive a thirteenth pension equal to the minimum pension amount. 5,3% — 2026 indexation rateSelected benefit rates in 2026: Minimum pension (gross): 1978.49, Care allowance: 366.68, Care allowance (war invalid): 550.02, Support benefit (max): 4133.60Key dates for benefit changes: February 27 — First early transfers; March 1 — Indexation takes effect; May 1 — Higher sanatorium fees; October 1 — Higher Alimony Fund thresholdPension systems in Europe are based on social insurance schemes developed since the late 19th century, when states began linking benefits to work and contributions. In Poland, after the reforms of the 1990s and early 2000s, a mixed model emerged, in which indexation plays a key role as an instrument for protecting the income of the elderly. Concurrently, the media described the consequences of income thresholds. Some pensioners may, after indexation, exceed the unchanged threshold of 2,900 PLN gross, which is significant for the full payment of the fourteenth pension, or other limits (e.g., 2,500 PLN gross) affecting social benefits. The rules for bailiff deductions were also highlighted: for civil debts, the deduction should not exceed 25% of the gross pension, while for overdue alimony it can reach 60% of the benefit. Additional threads concerned support for people with disabilities: from March, the support benefit increases, its amount depending on points (from 40 to 220% of the social disability pension), and public debate sees a return of criticism towards the practices of some Municipal Social Welfare Centers (MOPS), which – according to described cases – verify care needs through environmental interviews. At the same time, the government, according to statements by the finance minister, does not plan to replace the health insurance contribution with a "health tax" or to raise the retirement age, while Poland 2050 has submitted a bill to increase the excise duty on alcohol with a six-month vacatio legis and a proposal to transfer the surplus to the National Health Fund (NFZ). „"Skutki nadużywania alkoholu kosztują Polskę miliardy złotych rocznie. Dlatego składamy projekt ustawy, który wiąże akcyzę z realnym wsparciem systemu ochrony zdrowia"” — Poland 2050