500 plus for pensioners and retirees. More people are eligible for the benefit

Starting March 1, 2026, Poland's "500 plus" supplementary benefit, designed for individuals unable to care for themselves, is now accessible to a broader range of people. This expansion is primarily due to an upward adjustment of the income threshold required to qualify for the payment.

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The maximum amount of the benefit for people unable to care for themselves will remain unchanged and will still be 500 PLN "net". However, the income threshold entitling to the benefit will be higher, as it will increase by over 135 zlotys, making it easier to obtain.

While the maximum benefit amount remains unchanged at 500 PLN, the income limit eligible individuals can earn has been increased following a March revaluation. The new gross income threshold is now 2,687.67 PLN, up from 2,552.39 PLN before February. This increase of over 135 PLN is intended to make it easier for more people to obtain the benefit.

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A new application must be submitted to ZUS only if the validity period of the certificate of inability to self-care has expired or if the new income threshold currently allows for obtaining the benefit.

According to Sebastian Szczurek, ZUS regional press spokesperson for the Opole region, individuals do not need to submit a new application if their existing certificate of inability to self-care is still valid. However, a new application is necessary if the certificate has expired or if the new income threshold now makes them eligible. The benefit is intended for individuals aged 18 and over who reside in Poland and possess a certificate confirming their inability to self-care.

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The supplementary benefit for people unable to care for themselves is available to people who: have reached 18 years of age and live in Poland, have a certificate of inability to self-care, meet the income criterion - the total gross amount of pension, disability pension or other benefits financed from public funds does not exceed 2,687.67 PLN gross.

The supplementary benefit is capped at 500 PLN. Those who do not receive a pension or disability benefit, or whose total public benefits do not exceed 2,187.67 PLN gross, will receive the full 500 PLN. For individuals receiving higher pensions or other benefits, the supplementary payment will be reduced accordingly to ensure the total income does not exceed the 2,687.67 PLN threshold. For example, someone earning 2,300 PLN gross would receive a supplementary benefit of 387.67 PLN.

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If a person receives a pension, disability pension or other benefit in a higher amount, the supplementary benefit will be reduced accordingly. The total amount of benefits paid cannot be higher than the threshold of 2,687.67 PLN.