2026 “13th Pension”: Eligibility, Amount & Payment Dates
Poland’s annual “13th pension” payment, formally known as the additional annual pension benefit, will be distributed in April 2026, and will be available to a wider range of recipients than commonly understood – including individuals as young as 18. While the base amount will be 1,978.49 złoty, there’s nuance around eligibility and potential for higher payouts, particularly concerning the “14th pension” benefit.
Who Qualifies for the Trzynasta Emerytura?
The “trzynastka” (13th pension) isn’t solely for retirees. The law governing the benefit, established on January 9, 2020, extends eligibility to anyone with a legal right to a qualifying pension or 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 (“Mama 4+”)
- War veteran’s disability pensions
This broader scope means individuals receiving disability pensions, even those under the traditional retirement age, are eligible. According to data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS), 705,860 people received disability pensions in 20241, many of whom are under 65. To qualify, individuals must have been entitled to the benefit by March 31, 2026, and may be eligible even if they haven’t contributed the standard required period of contributions, provided they were registered for insurance before age 18 or within six months of completing their education.
Who is Excluded from Receiving the Trzynasta?
Despite the broad eligibility, some individuals with pension or benefit entitlements may be excluded. Specifically, those with a suspended right to benefits as of March 31, 2026, will not receive the “trzynastka.” This typically occurs when income exceeds a certain threshold.
Currently, for the period of December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, income exceeding 11,403.30 złoty results in suspension of benefits2. From March 1, 2026, that limit increases to 11,957.20 złoty. 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, unless they remain employed by the same employer they worked for immediately before retirement. Those receiving partial pensions, war veteran pensions, or family pensions are too exempt from the income limit.
The Amount of the 2026 Trzynasta Emerytura
The 2026 “trzynastka” will be paid at a flat rate of 1,978.49 złoty gross, equivalent to the minimum pension amount after the March 2026 revaluation. Unlike the “14th pension” benefit, there is no provision for the Council of Ministers to increase the amount above this minimum. The payment is subject to income tax and health insurance contributions, resulting in a lower net amount.
Importantly, the “trzynastka” is exempt from certain deductions, such as debt collection and social assistance calculations. It is also not considered income for the purposes of determining eligibility for supplementary benefits for individuals unable to support themselves.
When Will the Trzynasta Emerytura Be Paid?
The “trzynastka” will be paid alongside regular pension and benefit payments in April 2026, or in May for those receiving pre-retirement benefits or allowances. Due to Easter falling on April 5th and 6th, 2026, the payment schedule will be adjusted accordingly, with payments distributed throughout April based on the standard payment dates. The exact date will depend on the individual’s regular payment schedule.
For those receiving pre-retirement benefits, the “trzynastka” will be included with their May 2026 payment. A detailed schedule for May payments will be published closer to the date.
Do You Require to Apply for the Trzynasta Emerytura?
No application is required. The “trzynastka” will be paid automatically to all eligible recipients. The ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) will send a decision confirming the payment to each beneficiary. Individuals who believe they have been wrongly denied the benefit, or received an incorrect amount, can appeal the decision to the district court within one month of receiving the notification.
The “trzynasta emerytura” represents a significant support mechanism for pensioners and benefit recipients in Poland, and its broadened eligibility criteria ensure that a wider segment of the population will benefit from this annual payment. While the amount remains fixed at the minimum pension level, the automatic nature of the payment and its exemption from certain deductions provide valuable financial relief.
1 GUS, Emerytury i renty w 2024 r., Warszawa 2025
2 Znana jest wysokość 14. Emerytury. Wiadomo, ile wyniosą wypłaty