From March 1, 2026, millions of Polish seniors are receiving higher benefits as part of the annual indexation. The minimum pension has increased to 1,978.49 PLN gross, which also determines the amount of the 13th pension. Simultaneously, new, more favorable earning limits for pensioners and disability benefit recipients have come into force, along with a higher amount exempt from bailiff deductions, which is of significant importance for the most indebted individuals.
Increase in Minimum Pension
The lowest benefit increased from March 1, 2026, to the amount of 1,978.49 PLN gross per month.
New Earning Limits
Income thresholds for working seniors have been changed, allowing for greater professional activity without losing benefits.
Higher Amount Exempt from Attachment
Increased protection of monetary funds against bailiff execution for indebted pensioners and disability benefit recipients.
The beginning of March 2026 brings a comprehensive overhaul of the long-term benefit payment system in Poland. A key element of the changes is the statutory indexation, which raised the amount of the minimum pension, disability pension for total incapacity to work, and survivor's pension to 1,978.49 PLN per month. This process is automatic, meaning beneficiaries do not need to submit additional applications to receive the higher amounts. The first transfers including the adjustment reached seniors in the first days of the month, according to the payment schedule of the Social Insurance Institution. Parallel to the increase in basic benefits, changes were made to the financial parameters concerning the professional activity of seniors. The new income limits, applicable from March 1 to May 31, 2026, allow working pensioners to earn up to an amount constituting 70% of the average monthly wage without the risk of a benefit reduction. Exceeding the 130% threshold, however, results in a temporary suspension of pension or disability benefit payments. These changes are particularly important for individuals receiving pre-retirement benefits and social pensions, for whom income discipline is rigorously enforced by the pension authority. The indexation system in Poland is based on a mixed mechanism, taking into account the annual average consumer price index and the real increase in the average wage from the previous year.An important aspect of the reform is the increased protection of capital for indebted individuals. Raising the amount exempt from deductions means a bailiff must leave a higher amount necessary for subsistence in the pensioner's account. In March 2026, numerous benefit supplements also increased, including the nursing allowance and the energy lump sum. However, experts point out the risks: the period of increases is traditionally exploited by fraudsters using the "ZUS employee" method, which prompted state institutions to issue special warnings to seniors regarding the security of personal and financial data.