The turn of February and March brings significant changes for millions of benefit recipients. The Social Insurance Institution reminds of the February 28 deadline for settling additional income for people on early pensions. From March 1, the valorized amounts of benefits come into force, including the minimum pension, widow's pension, and support benefit. At the same time, income thresholds are rising, the exceeding of which results in a reduction or suspension of payments, forcing seniors to be more vigilant in planning their professional activity.

End of the settlement deadline

By February 28, working pensioners and disability benefit recipients must settle additional income from ZUS under the threat of benefit suspension.

Higher widow's pension

From March 2026, the limit for the widow's pension increases, allowing seniors to combine larger amounts of their own benefits and those from a spouse.

Change in certification

Due to a shortage of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists will be able to certify incapacity for independent existence and the need for rehabilitation within the framework of pension prevention.

The end of February is a period of increased reporting obligations and anticipation of the annual valorization for Polish seniors. The key deadline is February 28, by which individuals receiving early retirement or disability pensions must inform the Social Insurance Institution about their earnings from the previous year. This obligation applies to beneficiaries who have not yet reached the general retirement age. Failure to complete these formalities may lead to the need to repay overpaid funds or the suspension of current payments if the income limit has been exceeded. The pension system in Poland is based on the principle of intergenerational solidarity, but after the 1999 reform, the amount of an individual benefit depends primarily on the sum of accumulated contributions and the projected remaining life expectancy. From March 1, 2026, an automatic valorization of benefits takes place. Not only will the minimum pension increase, but also supplements and specialized benefits, such as the support benefit. The limits for bailiff deductions are also changing, which is intended to protect the poorest debtors from losing funds necessary for subsistence. Meanwhile, the medical sector is noting a significant shortage of certifying doctors, which prompted ZUS to include nurses and physiotherapists in the certification processes, aimed at streamlining the system for granting disability pensions. „Przekroczenie przychodu o kwotę wyższą niż 70% przeciętnego wynagrodzenia powoduje zmniejszenie emerytury o kwotę maksymalnego zmniejszenia.” (Exceeding income by an amount higher than 70% of the average wage results in a reduction of the pension by the amount of the maximum reduction.) — ZUS Statement Media reports also mention increased controls on the correct use of sick leave certificates, especially in the case of individuals on so-called "pregnancy sick leave". Sickness benefit cannot be treated as paid leave for renovations or tourist trips, which is currently being meticulously verified by field inspectors.

Mentioned People

  • Szymon Hołownia — Speaker of the Sejm, in the context of reports about pension rates in the Ministry of National Defense.