Poland's 14th Pension in 2026: Who Gets 1978 PLN and Who Gets 378 PLN

Poland's social security agency (ZUS) will start distributing the 14th pension on September 1. However, the "złotówka za złotówkę" (zloty for zloty) rule means that not all seniors will receive the full gross amount of 1978.49 PLN.

This rule applies to individuals whose monthly benefits exceed 2900 PLN gross. The higher a senior's benefit, the lower their 14th pension payment will be. For example, someone receiving 3000 PLN gross will get 1878.49 PLN, while someone receiving 4500 PLN gross will receive only 378.49 PLN.

Health contributions and income tax advances are deducted from the 14th pension, but it is exempt from enforcement actions and does not affect eligibility for income-dependent benefits. Individuals whose 14th pension calculates to less than 50 PLN gross will not receive it, meaning those with benefits exceeding 4828.49 PLN gross will not get the payment. Additionally, those with suspended pensions on the day before the payout month are ineligible.

The 14th pension is automatically issued by ZUS and does not require an application. It will be paid in September along with the primary pension, with specific dates ranging from September 1 to October 1, depending on the recipient's payment schedule. This benefit is available to pensioners and those eligible for various other benefits, provided they met the conditions by the end of August.