The popular “thirteenth pension”, i.e. the 13th pension, is an additional benefit from ZUS that can significantly improve the situation of many seniors in Poland. There are doubts when paying this benefit, and a clear explanation of the regulations allows you to avoid disappointment and better plan your home budget.
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It is worth remembering that many Polish women and men receive several ZUS benefits at the same time. Moreover, March, when indexation of pensions and pensions is due, is a moment when a lot of information may appear, so it is worth knowing the current arrangements.
This is how much the 13th pension will be in 2026.
In 2026, the 13th pension is PLN 1,978.49 gross, which is the same as the lowest benefit after March indexation (5.3%). This means that the seniors' account will receive approximately PLN 1,794 net for people with lower benefits, and for those with a higher pension – from PLN 1,620 to 1,700 net.
The Social Insurance Institution will start paying the 13th pension on April 1, 2026, along with regular benefit transfers, and some (but not only) retirees will receive the money before Easter. The next tranches are scheduled for April 3, 10, 15, 20 and 24.
Can you get two 13th pensions from ZUS? Explanation of the rules
Some people who are waiting for the payment of the 13th pension may have doubts and the question whether it is possible to receive a double “thirteenth pension”. These are situations in which one person receives several benefits – e.g. retirement and pension, or benefits from ZUS and KRUS.
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As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, in the light of applicable regulations, the situation is clear. There is no way for someone to receive a double 13th pension.
The inability to receive a double ZUS benefit results directly from Art. 3 of the Act on additional annual cash benefits. The rules state that the 13th pension is per person, not per benefit. The decision on payment is made by one authority, most often ZUS, and it transfers the money together with one of the benefits.
13. retirement not only for seniors. Children can also get it
If you receive benefits from different institutions, only one of them pays the 13th pension. Seniors do not have to submit any applications – everything is done automatically, and ZUS coordinates the entire process. This solution is intended to prevent duplication of payments.
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As explained by “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna”, the 13th benefit in a year can be received by people who: receive a social pension and a disability pension, receive a survivor's pension after a deceased family member, benefit from a pre-retirement benefit, receive a supplementary benefit or use a teacher's compensation benefit.
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A survivor's pension is a benefit payable to family members after a deceased person. In practice, this means that even a child can receive a thirteenth pension. A survivor's pension is payable to children up to the age of 16, school children up to the age of 25, and persons unable to work if the incapacity occurred at a young age.
Who will not receive the 13th pension in 2026?
The basic condition for receiving the 13th pension is the right to receive the basic benefit as of March 31, 2026. People receiving pre-retirement benefits who earn extra money and have their payments suspended on that date will not receive additional money.
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Some professional groups are also excluded from the 13th pension. Retired judges and prosecutors will not receive this benefit because they are entitled to a special remuneration after leaving service: 75%. the sum of the last basic salary and the long-service allowance.
The next group are distinguished athletes who have not earned a classic retirement. Since 2000, Olympic medalists have been able to receive a special benefit.
