Fourteenth Pension 2025: Who loses and who gains? fresh limits will hit seniors

In 2025 Polish pensioners will receive again 14th retirementbut not all can number on full witnessing. Fixed income threshold and the “gold for gold” mechanics will make any seniors receive smaller amounts or no extra money at all.

Fourteenth retirement in 2025

In accordance with the applicable provisions, 14th pension is equal to minimum pension applicable in a given year. After March's 2025 valorisation, the minimum pension increased to PLN 1 878.91 gross. This means that the full amount of the fourteenth pension will be just that.

Permanent income threshold – who will receive full benefit?

In order to receive the full amount of the fourteenth pension, the monthly pensioner’s benefit may not exceed 2 900 PLN gross. This income threshold was set in 2024 and did not change in 2025. Seniors whose pensions fall within this limit will receive full additional benefits.

The “gold for gold” mechanics – who will lose on fourteenth retirement?

Pensioners whose benefits exceed the threshold 2 900 PLN gross, they will receive a fourteenth pension little under the “gold for gold” principle. This means that the amount of the 14th pension will be reduced by the amount by which the basic benefit exceeds the defined threshold. For example, if the pension is PLN 3 000 gross (i.e. PLN 100 more than the threshold), 14th pension will be reduced by PLN 100 and out PLN 1,778.91 gross.

Valorisation of pensions and fourteenth pension

The March value of pensions in 2025 was 5.5%, which means an increase in benefits for many seniors. However, the fixed income threshold for the fourteenth pension makes it possible for any pensioners who previously were in the limit to exceed it after valorisation. As a result, they will receive reduced benefits or lose the right to a fourteenth pension.

Examples of the impact of valorisation on fourteenth retirement

1. Retirement before valuation: PLN 2 800 gross
   • After valorisation (5.5%): PLN 2,954 gross
   • Overshoot: PLN 54
   • The amount of the fourteenth pension: PLN 1 824.91 gross (1,878.91 zł – 54 zł)
2. Retirement before valuation: PLN 2 900 gross
   • After valorisation (5.5%): PLN 3,059,50 gross
   • Overshoot: PLN 159.50
   • The amount of the fourteenth pension: PLN 1 719.41 gross (1,878.91) – 159.50 zł)
3. Pension before valorisation: PLN 3 000 gross
   • After valorisation (5.5%): 3 165 PLN gross
   • Overshoot: PLN 265
   • The amount of the fourteenth pension: PLN 1 613.91 gross (1,878,91 zł – 265 zł)

Controversy around a fixed income threshold

Experts point out that the unchanged income threshold 2 900 PLN gross in the context of the yearly valorisation of pensions leads to injustice. Seniors who receive somewhat higher benefits through valorisation may lose the right to a full fourteenth pension or receive less. According to experts, this threshold should besides be valorised to reflect real changes in retirement income.

Proposals for changes and expectations of seniors

In consequence to these controversy, there are proposals to increase the income threshold or its yearly valorisation. This could prevent pensioners from losing extra benefits due to a tiny increase in the basic pension. At the moment, however, the government has not made a decision on this matter, and elder citizens are anxiously observing developments.

The 14th pension in 2025 is aimed at financial support for Polish seniors. However, the fixed income threshold and the "gold for gold" mechanics make certain that not all pensioners benefit fully. The introduction of income threshold valorisation could make the strategy more equitable and tailored to economical realities.