2026-03-26 08:37
publication
2026-03-26 08:37
The Central Statistical Office has updated the average life expectancy tables, which will come into force from April 1, 2026. It is clear from them: Poles live longer, which in practice means that the capital they have accumulated for retirement must be divided over a larger number of months, which will translate into the amount of benefits paid by ZUS.
The Social Insurance Institution calculates the amount of the pension by dividing the accumulated capital (contributions plus their indexation) by the average life expectancy (in months). According to the new tables, which will be valid until March 31, 2027, this rate has increased by several months for almost every age group.
| Key changes in life expectancy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensioner's age |
Continuation of life (data so far) |
Continuation of life (new data) |
Difference in months |
| 60 years of a woman | 266.4 months | 268.9 months | +2.5 months |
| 65 years old men | 220.8 months | 222.7 months | +1.9 months |
| Source: Based on Central Statistical Office data | |||
And although the forecast monthly losses range from several to several dozen zlotys, they translate into real amounts on an annual basis. It is worth noting that the table includes only the basic amount, without additional benefits such as the 13th pension.
| Projected differences in pension amounts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accumulated capital |
Pension amount (current amount) |
Pension amount (new amount) |
Monthly loss | Annual loss |
| PLN 400,000 | PLN 1,811.59 | PLN 1,796.14 | PLN 15.45 | PLN 185.40 |
| PLN 600,000 | PLN 2,717.39 | PLN 2,694.21 | PLN 23.18 | 278.16 |
| PLN 800,000 | PLN 3,623.19 | PLN 3,592.28 | PLN 30.91 | PLN 370.92 |
| Source: Based on Central Statistical Office data | ||||
Who will lose the most? First of all, people with the highest capital and those who decide to work longer. Paradoxically, the more we save, the more we will experience a statistical extension of life in the process of dividing contributions.
Experts indicate that Retiring in April or May may be the least favorable time this year. If your health and work situation allow it, it's worth considering postponing the application until July 2026. In June, ZUS carries out the annual indexation of contributions and initial capital. According to preliminary forecasts, this indicator may amount to approximately 9.1% in 2026. – informs Foksal. This will translate into real profits for the senior, because with a capital of PLN 500,000, this June indexation will add an additional PLN 45,500 to his account. This huge injection of cash into your retirement account will more than compensate for the loss resulting from the new Central Statistical Office tables.
ed. aw
