The average age of new disability pension recipients in Poland has dropped again. According to the latest ZUS report, the average age of those first declared unable to work in 2025 was 51.8 years – 53.3 for men and just 49.1 for women. That is about one month lower than the previous year, continuing a downward trend observed since 2022.
In 2022, the average age was 52.2 years. The steady decline has caught the attention of economists and social policy experts. The data shows that more and more Poles are leaving the labor market earlier, often before reaching the standard retirement age.
One of the key reasons behind this trend, as highlighted by Rzeczpospolita, is the growing share of mental health disorders among the causes of work incapacity. This group records one of the lowest average ages for total disability certification.
Mental health disorders driving early exits
According to the newspaper’s analysis, psychological and psychiatric conditions are becoming a major factor in granting disability pensions. Specialists note that this reflects a broader deterioration in the health of the working-age population. The phenomenon is particularly visible among younger employees, who often struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, and burnout.
– This is a serious challenge for both the labor market and the social insurance system – said an expert quoted by Rzeczpospolita. The trend suggests that without targeted prevention and better access to mental health care, the number of early pension claims will continue to rise.
Consequences for the economy and social security
The falling age of new disability pensioners puts additional pressure on the state budget. Fewer years of contributions and more years of benefits create an imbalance in the ZUS system. At the same time, employers face a shrinking pool of experienced workers, especially in sectors requiring physical or high-stress work.
Policy makers are already looking for solutions. Some propose integrating occupational health programs with mental health services. Others call for reforming the disability assessment criteria to focus on rehabilitation rather than simply granting benefits. The debate is expected to intensify as demographic pressures mount and the labor market tightens further.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
