Every year, millions of seniors receive decisions from ZUS that affect their home budgets. There was also a warning: some people may be obliged to return the 13th pension if they do not meet certain conditions.
This is especially important for those who supplement their benefits or receive more than one benefit.
ZUS warns seniors in letters. This is the 13th retirement
As “Fakt” reminds, this year the 13th pension amounts to PLN 1,978.49 gross. However, seniors will receive less in cash – after deducting health insurance contributions and tax – the net amount is usually PLN 1,563.43, regardless of the amount of the basic pension.
See also: Up to PLN 150 more for seniors. What next with the “Dignified Retirement” project?
ZUS sent correspondence with important decisions to millions of retirees and pensioners. Seemingly, it is a simple formality, as in one letter the senior will receive two decisions: on the granting and amount of the 13th pension, as well as on the new amount of the benefit after the March indexation.
ZUS sends a letter to seniors. Contains important information
As “Fakt” explains, it is worth reading the documents from ZUS carefully. A senior should not only check the data contained in the correspondence.
This year, a warning was issued to seniors that some people may be obliged to return their “thirteen” if they do not meet certain conditions. This is especially important for those who supplement their benefits or receive more than one benefit.
See also: Retirement after 30 years of work may surprise you. Here are the calculations
In the ZUS decision, obtained by “Fakt”, it was written that if “on March 31, 2026, you were not entitled to a benefit for which an additional annual cash benefit was paid or were not entitled to payment of this benefit, the additional annual cash benefit – as unduly collected – will be subject to refund.”
Some seniors will have to return the 13th pension. We explain who this applies to
As “Fakt” explains, this applies, among others, to: people on early retirement, pensions or pre-retirement benefits who exceed the earning limits.
ZUS reminds that even if someone is entitled to several benefits (e.g. old-age pension and survivor's pension), they are entitled to only one 13th pension. In the case of benefits from various institutions, the decision and payment are made by ZUS.
Seniors have 30 days to appeal to the labor court through ZUS if they do not agree with the decision. Detailed instructions are included in the letter. Decisions are also available online on the e-ZUS platform.
