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

February 28, 2026 James Parker - Business Editor Business

The annual “thirteenth pension” payment in Poland, a supplemental benefit for retirees and those receiving pensions, isn’t just for seniors this year. While often referred to as a benefit exclusively for older citizens, eligibility extends to individuals as young as 18 who meet specific statutory requirements. The payment, officially termed “additional annual cash benefit,” is slated for distribution in April 2026, and there’s discussion around whether the standard amount of 1,978.49 złoty could be increased.

Who Qualifies for the 2026 “Thirteenth Pension”?

The law establishing the thirteenth pension, enacted on January 9, 2020, stipulates that eligibility is tied to having a legal right to a qualifying benefit as of March 31, 2026. This includes recipients of:

  • Old-age and disability pensions in the general system
  • Farmers’ pensions
  • Uniformed services pensions
  • Bridge pensions
  • Pre-retirement benefits and allowances
  • Social pensions
  • Teacher’s compensatory allowances
  • Parental supplementary allowances
  • War invalid pensions and military pensions.

Crucially, individuals receiving a family pension will have the benefit divided equally among all eligible recipients. This means the thirteenth pension isn’t limited to those who have reached traditional retirement age; those receiving disability pensions, even at younger ages, may similarly qualify. According to data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS), 705,860 individuals received disability pensions in 2024.1 This includes individuals who, even without a full contribution history, may be eligible if they were registered for insurance before age 18 or within six months of completing secondary or higher education.

Suspension of Benefits: When You Might Not Receive the Payment

However, receiving the thirteenth pension isn’t automatic. Individuals who have their pension or benefit suspended as of March 31, 2026, will not be eligible. This typically occurs when income exceeds a certain threshold. Currently, for December 1, 2025, through 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 limit increases to 11,957.20 złoty, reflecting 130% of the average monthly wage for the fourth quarter of 2025. There are exceptions: those who have reached the standard retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) can earn income without suspension, unless they continue employment with the same employer they were with before retirement. Those receiving partial pensions, war invalid pensions, or family pensions under specific circumstances are also exempt.

The Payment Amount and Potential for Increase

The standard thirteenth pension amount for 2026 will be 1,978.49 złoty (gross). Unlike the fourteenth pension, which allows the Council of Ministers to set a higher amount based on economic conditions, the law governing the thirteenth pension does not currently provide for such flexibility.1 The thirteenth pension is also exempt from most deductions, including enforcement actions, but is subject to income tax and health insurance contributions.

Payment Schedule for April 2026

The thirteenth pension will be paid alongside regular pension payments in April 2026, or in May for those receiving pre-retirement benefits. Due to Easter falling on April 5th and 6th, the payment schedule will be adjusted. Payments will be distributed on:

  • April 1st (Wednesday)
  • April 3rd (Friday) – for those whose benefits are normally paid on the 5th
  • April 3rd (Friday) – for those whose benefits are normally paid on the 6th
  • April 10th (Friday)
  • April 15th (Wednesday)
  • April 20th (Monday)
  • April 24th (Friday) – for those whose benefits are normally paid on the 25th

Those receiving pre-retirement benefits or allowances will receive their thirteenth pension with their May payments, following a similar adjusted schedule.

No Application Required, But Appeals are Possible

Importantly, no application is required to receive the thirteenth pension. The ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) will automatically issue a decision regarding eligibility. If an individual disagrees with the ZUS decision, they can file an appeal with the district court within one month of receiving the notification.2

The thirteenth pension represents a significant, albeit fixed, financial support for a broad range of benefit recipients in Poland. While the amount remains consistent with the minimum pension level, the expanded eligibility criteria ensure that a wider segment of the population, including younger individuals receiving disability benefits, can access this supplemental income. The timing of the payments, adjusted for the Easter holiday, aims to provide timely financial assistance to those who qualify.