End of February and March 1, 2026: ZUS Settles Income, Limits and Benefits Increase

Publications from February 26 emphasize the coincidence of the month's end with a package of changes effective from March 1, 2026. The most frequently repeated reminder from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) concerns the settlement of additional earnings by those benefit recipients who are subject to earnings limits. Several editorial offices indicate that a lack of income information or delay may result in an adjustment of the payment, and in extreme cases – its temporary suspension. At the same time, articles appear about intensified controls of sick leaves, including so-called "pregnancy sick leaves," and about the difficult procedures for obtaining disability benefits, described as lengthy and demanding. 550 zł — maximum indicated monthly payment Deadlines and changes at the turn of February and March 2026 The Social Insurance Institution was established in the Second Polish Republic and after 1989 became a key institution handling universal social insurance. In 1999, Poland changed its pension model to a system based on defined contributions, where the benefit amount depends on the contribution history and further life expectancy. For years, the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS) has operated in parallel, covering a separate segment of the insured.A thread connecting many articles is the March indexation of pensions and disability benefits, including benefits from KRUS. Some articles also signal that some may feel the increase less due to tax settlements. Separately discussed are increases and limits in solutions such as widow's pension and the "supporting benefit." Articles also explain the rules for the minimum pension and the importance of insurance period, giving examples for short periods of work.„„Armia młodych”” — Business InsiderA separate block of topics concerns the organization of the system and public policies. Local and industry media describe a shortage of certifying physicians and announcements that nurses and physiotherapists are to play a greater role in ZUS certification. There is also a report on a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court regarding how Municipal Social Welfare Center (MOPS) employees verify the self-sufficiency of benefit recipients, as well as guides on payment deadlines for social assistance benefits. In the background, there are materials about the situation of people aged 50+ in the labor market, the impact of the number of children on creditworthiness, and the debate on whether cash transfers effectively address the decline in fertility.„„Pieniądze to nie jedyny powód spadku dzietności”” — TVN24

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media more often emphasize the protection of benefit recipients and access to support. Conservative media more often highlight costs, controls, and the risk of abuse.