Few ZUS benefits are designed in such a way that the age threshold for receiving it increases in subsequent years. Yet this is exactly how teachers' compensation benefits were designed.
Moreover, in a few years the compensation benefit will completely disappear in its current form. Until then – and more specifically until 2032 – seniors can count on up to PLN 4,200 per month.
Compensation benefit from ZUS. Who is entitled to early retirement?
The Social Insurance Institution indicated that 9,600 people received compensation benefits for teachers in February. The benefit is the equivalent of an early bridging pension, and the company paid the entitled persons an average of PLN 4,207.63.
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As “Gazeta Prawna” reminds, compensation benefits are for many teachers the last chance for financial stability before retirement. However, the system is becoming more and more limited and the number of eligible people is decreasing. For comparison, in 2021 the benefit was paid to PLN 14.1 thousand. people, and in 2024 it was 11.8 thousand. people.
Teachers' compensation benefits will disappear in a few years
It should be noted that this benefit from ZUS is not easy to obtain. According to the law, only teachers with appropriate experience are entitled to benefits from ZUS: at least 30 years of work, including 20 years in education. In 2026, the eligibility age is 56 for women and 61 for men. However, this will change in the following years:
- 2027–2028 — 57 years for women and 62 years for men
- 2029–2030 — 58 years for women and 63 years for men
- 2031–2032 — 59 years for women and 64 years for animals.
The place of employment also matters.
According to ZUS calculations, people who worked as a teacher, tutor or other educator in the following institutions can apply for the benefit:
- public and private kindergartens,
- public and non-public schools, with the exception of non-public schools that do not have the rights of a public school,
- public and non-public continuing education institutions,
- youth educational centers,
- youth sociotherapy centers,
- special educational and educational centers,
- special educational centers for children and youth that require special organization of learning and special methods of work and education,
- rehabilitation and educational centers that enable:
- children and young people with profound intellectual disabilities participate in rehabilitation and educational activities organized on the basis of separate regulations,
- children and adolescents with multiple disabilities, one of which is intellectual disability, fulfillment of the obligation of one-year pre-school preparation (in a kindergarten or in a pre-school department organized in a primary school or in another form of pre-school education), compulsory schooling and compulsory education,
- facilities that provide students with care and education while they study outside the place where they live permanently.
Not every teacher can count on teacher compensation benefits. Here are the exceptions
As ZUS explains, in order to receive the benefit, your last profession must be a teacher. Any other professional activity after leaving work may deprive you of the right to the benefit. The exceptions are people insured with KRUS or clergy.
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It is worth emphasizing a very strict condition: you cannot return to work in education. Even for a small part-time or other form of employment. Taking up a job in education will mean that ZUS will suspend your payment. However, you can work in other professions, subject to income limits.
