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 those on early retirement. From March 1, valorized benefit amounts come into effect, including the minimum pension, widow's pension, and support benefit. At the same time, income thresholds are rising, exceeding which results in reduced or suspended 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 their additional income with ZUS under the threat of benefit suspension.

Higher widow's pension

From March 2026, the nominal limit for the widow's pension increases to approximately 5,935 PLN gross, resulting from the valorization of the minimum pension. This change is technical and maintains the real value of benefits, but does not expand the group of persons entitled to the full concurrent receipt of benefits.

Change in certification

To streamline the system, nurses will gain the authority to certify incapacity for independent existence, while physiotherapists will decide on the need for therapeutic rehabilitation within the framework of disability 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 benefit recipients who have not yet reached the universal retirement age. Failure to complete these formalities may lead to the need to repay overpaid funds or 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 specialist 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 notes a significant shortage of certifying physicians, which prompted ZUS to include nurses and physiotherapists in the certification processes to streamline 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 checks on the correct use of sick leave, particularly for those on so-called "pregnancy L4." 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 on pension rates in the Ministry of National Defense.