New earning limits for retirees in Poland from September 1

Working pensioners and early retirees in Poland must be aware of new, lower earning limits set to take effect on September 1, 2026. These adjustments, which will remain in place until the end of November, specifically target individuals who are still receiving pensions or early retirement benefits but have not yet reached the standard retirement age.

The new thresholds are directly influenced by the national average wage, which saw a decrease in the second quarter of 2026. The average salary dropped to 9,233.13 Polish zloty (PLN), a reduction of 329.75 PLN from the previous quarter. Consequently, the earning limits will be proportionally lowered.

The first threshold, set at 70% of the average wage, will be 6,463.20 PLN gross per month. Earning up to this amount will not affect the pension or early retirement benefit. The second threshold, at 130% of the average wage, will be 12,003.10 PLN gross per month. Exceeding this higher limit will result in the suspension of benefit payments by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

Iwona Kowalska-Matis, the regional press spokesperson for ZUS in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, noted that both the income threshold that does not reduce benefits and the one that leads to suspension are lower than in the previous quarter. The first limit has decreased by 230.90 PLN gross, while the second limit is lower by 428.70 PLN gross.

If a working retiree's additional monthly income falls between the two thresholds (6,463.20 PLN to 12,003.10 PLN gross), their benefit will be reduced by the amount exceeding the first threshold. However, there are maximum reduction amounts: 989.41 PLN for pensions due to total work incapacity, 742.10 PLN for pensions due to partial work incapacity, and 841.05 PLN for single-person family pensions. Income exceeding 130% of the average wage will lead to benefit suspension.