Poland: ZUS Advises Pensioners to Apply for Own Retirement Benefits for Earning Flexibility

The Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is advising individuals who currently receive survivor's pensions to apply for their own retirement pensions once they reach the legal retirement age. This recommendation aims to provide greater financial flexibility and avoid potential limitations on earnings.

Currently, 1.1 million people in Poland receive survivor's pensions, with the average amount being over 3,700 PLN. The minimum survivor's pension, as of March 2026, is set at approximately 1,978 PLN. Many recipients of survivor's pensions also work, which can lead to ZUS reducing or suspending their benefits if their income exceeds certain thresholds. Specifically, if a widow's or widower's income surpasses 70% of the average monthly wage, their pension is reduced by the excess amount. If the income exceeds 130% of the average monthly wage, the survivor's pension is suspended entirely.

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Therefore, I encourage ladies and gentlemen who reach the statutory retirement age to apply for the calculation of their own pension. After obtaining the status of a pensioner, even if they do not switch to their own benefit, but continue to receive a survivor's pension from ZUS, because, for example, it is higher than their own pension would be.

Iwona Kowalska-Matis, the regional press spokesperson for ZUS in Lower Silesia, explained that by applying for their own retirement pension upon reaching the legal age, individuals can earn income without any restrictions. Even if they choose to continue receiving the survivor's pension because it is higher than their calculated personal pension, they can do so without penalty. "There is no risk that a widow will suddenly start receiving smaller payments," she assured.

ZUS also clarified the rules regarding additional earnings. Individuals who have not yet reached the general retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) must inform ZUS about any additional income. For those who have reached retirement age, earnings are calculated based on employer statements or declarations for self-employed individuals. The limits for additional earnings change quarterly; as of June 2026, the upper limit for additional monthly income that does not reduce a pension or benefit is over 6,694 PLN gross. Between June and September, the limit before ZUS might suspend payments is over 12,431 PLN gross.

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There is no risk that a widow will suddenly start receiving smaller payments.