13th Pension in 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Payment Dates
Poland’s annual “thirteenth pension” payment, officially known as the trzynasta emerytura, will be distributed in April 2026, and will be available not only to retirees but also to individuals as young as 18 who meet specific statutory requirements. While the standard amount is set at 1,978.49 złoty, there’s potential for some beneficiaries to receive a higher sum, a possibility not available for the separate “fourteenth pension” (czternasta emerytura) program.
Who Qualifies for the 2026 Trzynasta Emerytura?
The trzynasta emerytura, established by the Act of January 9, 2020, concerning the additional annual cash benefit for pensioners and retirees, is available to anyone who has a legally established right to a pension or annuity benefit as of March 31, 2026. This includes recipients of:
- General pension system pensions
- Farmer pensions
- Uniformed services pensions
- Bridge pensions
- Pre-retirement benefits or allowances
- Social pensions
- Teacher compensatory allowances
- Parental supplementary benefits
- War veteran disability pensions
Individuals can only receive one trzynasta emerytura. In cases where a family pension is shared among multiple recipients, the benefit is divided equally among them.
This means the trzynasta emerytura isn’t limited to senior citizens. Individuals receiving disability pensions, even those under 18, may be eligible, provided they meet the legal criteria. According to data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS), 705,860 individuals received disability pensions in 2024.1 Young people who were registered for insurance before turning 18, or within six months of completing secondary or higher education, and who became disabled may qualify, even without meeting standard contribution requirements.
Who is Excluded from Receiving the Trzynasta Emerytura?
Individuals whose pension or annuity rights are suspended as of March 31, 2026, will not receive the trzynasta emerytura. This can occur if their income exceeds a certain threshold. Currently, as of December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, that threshold is 11,403.30 złoty, equivalent to 130% of the average monthly wage for the third quarter of 2025, as announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office (GUS).1
From March 1, 2026, the income limit will increase to 11,957.20 złoty, based on the average monthly wage for the fourth quarter of 2025. However, You’ll see exceptions. Individuals who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) can continue to earn income without suspension of their benefits. Those receiving partial pensions, war veteran pensions, or family pensions related to such pensions are also exempt.
The Amount of the Trzynasta Emerytura in 2026
The trzynasta emerytura in 2026 will be paid at a rate equivalent to the minimum pension, which is currently 1,978.49 złoty gross. Unlike the czternasta emerytura, the amount does not decrease for those with higher pension incomes; all eligible recipients receive the same gross amount. Taxes and health insurance contributions are deducted from this gross amount.
While the czternasta emerytura allows the Council of Ministers to set a higher amount than the minimum pension based on economic conditions, there is no such provision for the trzynasta emerytura. The legal framework governing the trzynasta emerytura does not grant the Council of Ministers the authority to increase the benefit amount beyond the minimum pension.
The trzynasta emerytura is exempt from certain deductions, such as enforcement actions, and is not considered income when applying for social assistance or alimony. However, income tax and health insurance contributions are still applicable.
When Will the Trzynasta Emerytura Be Paid?
The trzynasta emerytura is paid alongside regular pension payments in April (or May for those receiving pre-retirement benefits or allowances). Due to Easter falling on April 5th and 6th in 2026, the payment schedule will be adjusted. Payments will be made on April 1st, 3rd (for those whose regular payment date is April 5th or 6th), April 10th, 15th, 20th, and 24th. Those receiving pre-retirement benefits will receive the trzynasta emerytura with their May payments, following a similar adjusted schedule.
Beneficiaries will automatically receive a decision confirming their eligibility for the trzynasta emerytura; no application is required. Appeals against a denial or incorrect payment amount can be filed with the court within one month of receiving the decision.
1 GUS, Emerytury i renty w 2024 r., Warszawa 2025
More information on the thirteenth and fourteenth pensions can be found here.
Read more about the timing of pension payments here.
Find out how pensioners are spending their thirteenth pensions.