Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) started the payment 13 pensionsto supply financial support for millions of Polish seniors. The first transfers went to 889 1000 eligibleand the full amount of payments was PLN 1.67 billion gross. Although the additional benefit is surely welcome, the question is: can a one-off injection of cash truly improve the financial situation of pensioners in Poland?
Thirteenth Pension 2025: How many truly go into the elder pocket?
In 2025 tallness 13th retirement has been established at PLN 1 878.91 grosswhich corresponds to a minimum pension in Poland. However, the amount that pensioners receive ‘on hand’ is lower due to taxation deductions and wellness contributions. In practice, this means that most seniors will receive around 1 559 PLN net. By comparison, the average pension in Poland is about PLN 3,268 net per month, which shows that thirteen is simply a crucial but one-off support.
ZUS set circumstantial deadlines for the payment of thirteen pensions, which coincide with regular dates for the payment of pensions. Standard dates are Day 1, 5, 6, 10, 15, 20 and 25 of the month. Where the payment period falls on a day off, the benefit shall be transferred in advance. For example, payments planned for April 5 and 6, 2025, which falls on the weekend, will be implemented 4 April (Friday). Similarly, benefits with a maturity April 20 ( Easter Sunday) will be paid April 18 (Friday).
A increasing number of pensioners: Is the strategy prepared for demographic challenges?
From data Central Statistical Office (GUS) It is clear that in 2023 the number of pensioners in Poland was 9.318 million people, which represents an increase by 0.7% compared to the erstwhile year. This trend raises questions about sustainability of the pension system and whether one-time benefits, specified as a thirteenth pension, are adequate in the face of an expanding number of beneficiaries.
Senior activity: Necessity or choice?
More and more Polish pensioners decide to continuing work after reaching retirement age. Over the last 9 years, the number of pensioners employed has increased by 51.7%, reaching the end of 2024 level 870 000 people. Many of them take employment, not out of desire, but out of necessity due to low pension benefitsthat don't let a decent life.
The pension strategy in Poland is characterised by crucial inequalities in the amount of benefits. presently the highest pension paid by ZUS is around PLN 48.7 1000 gross A month. It is received by a pensioner from Silesia who ended his professional career at the age of 86 yearsafter 67 years of work. However, specified cases are exceptions and most pensioners gotta deal with much lower benefits.
Valorisation of pensions 2025: Do increases keep up with inflation?
In March 2025 was carried out valorisation of pensionsto adjust the amount of benefits to the rising cost of living. However, many seniors note that these increases do not keep up real price increaseswhich makes their purchasing power systematically diminish.
Come on. 13th pension is an crucial financial support for Polish seniors, it is worth considering whether one-time services are an effective solution to systemic problems. The increasing number of pensioners, the low benefits and the request to work after reaching retirement age indicate the request for deeper reforms pension strategy in Poland. Without comprehensive changes, disposable additives can only prove to be temporary deep wound patchwhat it is current strategy failure.
Continued here:
ZUS pays thirteen. erstwhile can pensioners anticipate additional resources?
