13th Pension in 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Payment Dates

The annual “13th pension” payment in Poland, officially known as the additional annual cash benefit, is set to be distributed in April 2026 and will be available to a wider group than just retirees. While often referred to as a benefit exclusively for seniors, eligibility extends to individuals as young as 18 who meet specific statutory requirements. The payment is expected to be at least 1,978.49 złoty, but questions remain about whether it could be higher.

Who Qualifies for the Trzynasta Emerytura?

The “trzynastka” – as the 13th pension is commonly called – is available to anyone with a legal right to an old-age or disability pension as of March 31, 2026. This includes beneficiaries of various pension schemes, such as the general system, farmers’ pensions, uniformed services pensions, and bridge pensions. It likewise extends to those receiving pre-retirement benefits, social pensions, teacher compensation, parental allowances, and war invalid pensions. Infor.pl details the broad eligibility criteria.

Crucially, individuals receiving a family pension will have the benefit divided equally among all eligible recipients. This means that if multiple family members are entitled to a portion of the pension, the 13th pension amount will be split accordingly.

Not Everyone Receives the Benefit

Despite the broad eligibility, some pensioners will not receive the 13th pension. Individuals whose pension rights are suspended as of March 31, 2026, will be excluded. This typically occurs when income exceeds a certain threshold. As of December 1, 2025, that threshold was 11,403.30 złoty, and will increase to 11,957.20 złoty from March 1, 2026, according to information from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

However, there are exceptions. Pensioners who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) can earn income without suspension of their benefits. The exception does not apply to those who continue employment with the same employer they worked for immediately before retirement.

The Amount: Fixed at 1,978.49 złoty?

The base amount of the 13th pension in 2026 will be 1,978.49 złoty (gross), equivalent to the minimum pension amount after the March 2026 revaluation. Unlike the 14th pension, there is currently no mechanism for the government to increase the 13th pension above this minimum amount, even considering economic conditions. The 14th pension, however, does have a provision allowing the Council of Ministers to set a higher amount based on economic factors. Nowosci.com.pl highlights this distinction.

The 13th pension is subject to income tax and health insurance contributions, meaning the net amount received will be lower than the gross figure.

Payment Schedule and Process

The 13th pension will be paid automatically in April 2026, alongside regular pension payments. For those receiving pre-retirement benefits or allowances, the payment will be made in May. The exact payment date will depend on the standard pension payment schedule, which is adjusted to account for public holidays. Given that Easter falls on April 5th and 6th in 2026, payments will be accelerated for those whose benefits are normally paid around those dates.

Beneficiaries will receive a decision confirming their entitlement to the 13th pension, but no application is required. If a beneficiary disagrees with the decision (e.g., if the pension is denied or the amount is incorrect), they can file an appeal with the district court within one month of receiving the decision.

What’s Next?

The key date to watch is March 31, 2026. Eligibility for the 13th pension is determined based on pension status on this date. Pensioners should ensure their records are up-to-date with ZUS to avoid any issues with payment. Further details regarding the precise payment schedule will be released by ZUS closer to April 2026. The focus will then shift to the potential for a higher-than-expected 14th pension payment, as the Council of Ministers retains the authority to adjust that benefit based on economic conditions.