According to ZUS data, the average amount collected on the sub-accounts of deceased persons is approximately PLN 29,000. zloty. However, it is worth remembering that this is an average value – the actual amounts may be lower or higher. The amount of these funds is influenced by, among others: length of service, amount of remuneration, membership in OFE and the number of people entitled to inheritance.
Additionally, two mechanisms of payment after the death should be distinguished:
— funds accumulated on the ZUS sub-account
– the so-called guaranteed payment after retirement (if the deceased was already a retiree).
In the case of the latter, the average amounts are lower and amount to several thousand zlotys, although in exceptional situations they can even reach several dozen thousand zlotys.
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Money from ZUS after the deceased. Who can apply?
The following persons are entitled to funds collected on the ZUS sub-account:
— Spouse;
— Persons designated by the deceased;
— Statutory or testamentary heirs.
See also: On December 1, 2025, the rules change. This concerns pension payments – exceeding these amounts may result in a reduction or suspension of pension payments by ZUS
How to recover money from ZUS after a deceased person? Step by step instructions
Recovering funds from a deceased person requires going through several steps. Here's what the procedure looks like:
1. Check whether the deceased had a sub-account with ZUS or OFE
First, it is worth determining whether the deceased had a sub-account with ZUS or was a member of Open Pension Funds (OFE). You can do this by reviewing his documents, such as annual information from ZUS or letters from OFE. If you do not have such documents, you can apply to ZUS for information by presenting a final decision confirming inheritance or an inheritance certificate.
2. Report to OFE if the deceased was a member of the fund
If the deceased belonged to an OFE, you should first contact the fund, which will divide the funds according to the deceased's instructions. Half of the funds accumulated during the marriage can be transferred to the spouse's account, and the rest will go to eligible persons.
3. Submit an application to ZUS
The next step is to submit an application to ZUS. Necessary documents include:
— Death certificate of the deceased,
— A document confirming the title to inheritance (disposition of the deceased, court decision on the acquisition of inheritance or an act of inheritance certification),
– Your ID document,
— In the case of a spouse – documents confirming community of property, e.g. marriage certificate.
Application forms can be downloaded on the ZUS website, in branches or submitted electronically via the PUE ZUS platform. In practice, however, it is often necessary to visit ZUS in person to present the original documents.
See also: ZUS showed new pension calculations. Many seniors may be surprised [KONKRETNE KWOTY]
Money from ZUS. Guaranteed payment after the death of a pensioner
If the deceased was already a retiree, some of the funds from the subaccount could be used to pay retirement benefits. In such a case, the family may apply for the so-called guaranteed payment, but only under certain conditions:
— The pensioner died within 3 years of receiving the pension.
— This applies to pensions calculated under the new rules, i.e. to persons born after 1948.
The guaranteed payment takes into account the difference between the funds accumulated in the subaccount and the amount already paid as part of the pension. On average, it amounts to several thousand zlotys.
