March 2026 Pension Valorization: ZUS Changes Earnings Limits and Pays Higher Benefits

The March valorization of benefits in 2026 is becoming a reality, affecting the financial situation of millions of Poles. ZUS and KRUS will automatically recalculate payments, which for the poorest seniors means an increase in the minimum pension to a level exceeding 1,978 PLN gross. This process does not require submitting applications, and the updated amounts will reach accounts by the end of February, due to the first day of March falling on a Sunday. The increases will cover not only universal pensions but also the widow's pension, whose maximum statutory limit will be increased accordingly, and the support allowance for people with disabilities. For years, Polish valorization has been based on the annual average consumer price index increased by at least 20 percent of the real growth in average wages from the previous year.Parallel to the valorization, the earnings limits for those who have not yet reached the universal retirement age are changing. From March, the safe income threshold, which does not cause any reductions, will increase to 6,438.50 PLN gross. Exceeding the second threshold, set at 11,957.20 PLN gross, will result in a complete suspension of benefit payments. The key date for seniors remains the end of February – this is the final deadline for submitting information to ZUS about last year's income. Failure to fulfill this formal requirement may result in the need to repay improperly received funds or a sudden suspension of payments in the coming months. Revolutionary staffing changes are taking place in the disability administration area. Faced with a severe shortage of certifying physicians, nurses and physiotherapists will now gain decisive votes in ZUS commissions. This is intended to speed up the process of issuing disability decisions, which is currently often described as a bureaucratic challenge. Meanwhile, in the transport sector, drivers must prepare for stricter regulations. From March 3rd, rigorous rules regarding the suspension of driver's licenses for specific offenses come into force, which, combined with new fine rates reaching up to 3,000 PLN, aims to improve safety on roads near pedestrian crossings. „Emeryci i renciści, którzy nie osiągnęli wieku emerytalnego, a dorabiają do swoich świadczeń, mają czas tylko do końca lutego na poinformowanie ZUS o przychodach uzyskanych w 2025 roku.” (Pensioners and disability benefit recipients who have not reached retirement age and are supplementing their benefits have only until the end of February to inform ZUS about income earned in 2025.) — ZUS Statement

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the automatic nature of valorization and protection of the poorest from inflation, highlighting the modernization of ZUS certification. Conservative media focus on the tax pitfalls of higher benefits and the repressive nature of the new road regulations for drivers.