Polish retirees can expect an additional one-time benefit this year. The so-called 14th pension will be paid out in September, and some beneficiaries may receive over 4,000 PLN in total when combined with their regular monthly payment. The exact amount depends on the basic pension amount.
The 14th pension is a separate supplement from the 13th pension, which is paid earlier in the year. While the 13th pension is a flat-rate payment equal to the minimum pension (1,978.49 PLN gross in 2026), the 14th pension follows a different rule: it is also 1,978.49 PLN gross, but only for those whose basic pension or rent does not exceed a threshold of 2,900 PLN.
For retirees with higher basic benefits, the 14th pension is reduced according to a „zloty for zloty” principle. The minimum possible payment is 50 PLN gross. Both the 13th and 14th pensions are subject to income tax and health insurance contributions.
How much will seniors receive?
The maximum one-time transfer from the 14th pension alone is 1,978.49 PLN gross. However, together with the regular September pension, the total amount in a retiree’s account can reach 4,126.43 PLN. This happens when the basic pension is low enough to qualify for the full 14th pension and the regular benefit is also at the minimum level.
For example, a retiree receiving the minimum pension of 1,978.49 PLN gross will get another 1,978.49 PLN from the 14th pension, plus their regular payment in the same month. After deductions, the net amount is lower, but still significant for many households.
When will the money arrive?
The transfers are scheduled for September 2026, together with the regular monthly pension payment. The exact date depends on the standard payment schedule of ZUS (Social Insurance Institution). Retirees who receive their pension on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, or 20th of the month will get the 14th pension on the same day.
It is important to note that the 14th pension is not a permanent addition – it is a one-time benefit for this year. The government decides annually whether to grant it, based on the budget situation and economic conditions.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PAP/Agnieszka Bielecka
