People receiving early retirement, disability benefits or survivors' benefits must remember the applicable income thresholds. Exceeding them may result in a reduction or even temporary suspension of the benefit payment.
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New limits for supplementing pensions
In accordance with the announcement of the Social Insurance Institution of November 24, 2025, from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 new, higher limits apply.
The safe income threshold is PLN 6,140.20 gross per month (70% of average salary). Earnings up to this amount do not affect the amount of the benefit paid.
After exceeding this limit, but without reaching the upper limit, ZUS may reduce the payment. The upper threshold was set at PLN 11,403.30 gross (130% of average salary) – exceeding it may mean complete suspension of the benefit.
The maximum reduction amounts are:
- PLN 939.61 — for pensions and disability pensions due to total incapacity for work,
- PLN 704.75 — for partial incapacity benefits,
- PLN 798.72 — for survivors' pensions paid to one person.
These rates will be valid until the end of February 2026.
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Who can earn extra money without worrying about benefits?
Not all retirees and pensioners have to take into account the limits. The restrictions do not apply to people who have reached the general retirement age – 60 years for women and 65 years for men. They can earn extra money without any limits, and their benefits will not be reduced or suspended, even if their income is high.
The exception are situations where the pension has been increased by ZUS to the minimum amount (from March 2025 – PLN 1,878.91 gross). Then the excess income may affect the amount of the payment.
The following are also exempt from the limits:
- military and war pensioners, if the incapacity for work is related to service,
- persons receiving a survivor's pension after being entitled to benefits or in an amount higher than the pension after reaching retirement age.
Read also: Key information for retirees. ZUS informed about the payment for the holidays
Larger limits, but it's worth being careful
Moonlighting limits are changing four times a yearso people receiving previous benefits should regularly check the current thresholds. From December 2025, there are more opportunities to earn extra income, but they still require caution – especially when approaching the upper limit.
