Polish seniors can expect another extra benefit this year – the 14th pension, scheduled for payout in September. The amount depends on the base pension, and some retirees may receive a total of over 4,000 zloty when combined with their regular payment.
The 14th pension will be paid together with the regular benefit. For those whose monthly pension does not exceed 2,900 zloty gross, the additional payment is a flat 1,978.49 zloty gross. Above that threshold, the extra amount is reduced by one zloty for every zloty above the limit, down to a minimum of 50 zloty gross. Both income tax and health insurance contributions are deducted from the 14th pension.
How the 14th pension differs from the 13th
The 13th pension is a fixed benefit equal to the minimum pension, which in 2026 stands at 1,978.49 zloty gross, and is paid to all eligible retirees regardless of their regular pension amount. The 14th pension uses a means-tested mechanism. As a result, a retiree receiving the minimum pension could see a combined September payout of around 4,126.43 zloty (regular pension plus the 14th), while someone with a higher pension will receive less extra money.
– The 14th pension is another form of support for seniors, especially those with lower incomes – said Anna Kowalska, spokesperson for the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). – We encourage all beneficiaries to check their eligibility and expected amount via the official online portal.
Who benefits most from the extra payment
Retirees with the lowest pensions gain the most from the 14th pension because they receive the full amount. For example, someone receiving the minimum pension of 1,978.49 zloty gross will get an additional 1,978.49 zloty gross from the 14th pension, making their September transfer nearly 3,956.98 zloty gross before deductions. In addition, those who also received the 13th pension earlier in the year will have had a total of three full minimum pension payments in 2026.
Transfers for the 14th pension are set to begin in the first half of September. Payments will be made automatically to all eligible retirees, with no separate application required. The government aims to provide timely financial relief, especially in the face of rising living costs.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. PAP/Agnieszka Bielecka
