Persons born before 1 January 1969 may benefit from the right to early retirement provided that certain requirements are met. This peculiar benefit applies primarily to those who have worked in hard conditions or have performed professions requiring advanced psychophysical performance. The article will discuss the detailed conditions, the papers required and the procedure for submitting applications to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
Who can benefit from early retirement?
The right to early retirement is granted to persons born between 31 December 1948 and 1 January 1969. In order to benefit from this privilege, respective key conditions must be met:
- Internship of contribution and non-contributory:
- Minimum 20 years for women,
- Minimum 25 years for men.
- Operation under peculiar conditions: It applies to those who have exercised professions considered harmful to wellness or which require advanced performance. These include:
- Work underground,
- Treatment of asbestos,
- Manufacture of lead and cadmium,
- Working in Mountain Volunteer Rescue.
- Pension age: Women may apply for early retirement before completion 60 yearsand men before 65 years of age.
Documents required for ZUS
In order to apply for early retirement, it is essential to supply a set of papers to ZUS. The required documentation shall consist of:
- Retirement Form (EMP) – application for a benefit,
- ERP-6 document – confirming contribution and non-contributory periods,
- Certificates of employment under peculiar conditionsissued by the employer,
- Payment documents, including write-downs of employment contracts and compensation certificates.
How and erstwhile to apply for early retirement?
The application to ZUS must be submitted at the latest the day before the retirement age. There are 2 ways to do this:
- Personally in the nearest ZUS facility,
- Online – via the Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS).
When the pension age is reached, the right to early retirement will cease to apply.
Additional conditions for insured persons at OFE
Those who belong to the Open Pension Funds (OFEs) must decide to transfer the funds raised to the account in the Social Insurance Institution. These funds are transferred to the State Treasury, which allows the usage of early retirement.
Benefits of early retirement
Early retirement is simply a peculiar support for those who, due to hard working conditions or deteriorating health, cannot proceed to work until they scope the full retirement age. This allows:
- Termination of professional activity at a convenient time,
- Financial safety during the transitional period before reaching retirement age,
- The anticipation of spending time on treatment or rehabilitation.
Statistics on early retirement in Poland
According to the Social safety Office, in 2024, about 120 000 people. Of which:
- 65% were women,
- 35% male.
The average early retirement in 2024 was around 2 300 PLN gross, however, this amount depends on the duration of work and the amount of contributions made.
What changes are planned in the future?
The Ministry of household and Social Policy announces further improvements in the pension system, including digitization of the application process and simplification of documentation procedures. It is besides planned to extend the list of professions entitled to early retirement.
More here:
Early retirement for people born before 1969 – everything you request to know
