Seniors Told to Return ’13th’ Pension as ZUS Sends Recovery Notices

14 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

ZUS demands repayment of the thirteenth pension in Poland from some retirees after March checks. Learn who is affected and how expats can respond.

Lead: Many retirees received the thirteenth pension Poland in early April and then shocked letters. Consequently, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) now asks some seniors to return the payment.

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Why the surprise payments arrived early

The government set the extra annual payment at the level of the minimum pension. After a March 2026 indexation of 5.3%, the amount rose to 1,978.49 PLN gross. In practice, recipients saw less. Therefore ZUS paid the thirteenth amount together with the regular pension. As a result ZUS deducted a 9% health contribution (NFZ refers to the National Health Fund) and, where due, a PIT advance. Moreover, many seniors with mid-range pensions saw net sums reduced by tax.

Who must return the thirteenth pension Poland?

ZUS applies the law from 9 January 2020. The key rule states that a retiree must hold an active pension or disability right on 31 March of the payment year. If ZUS recorded a suspension on that date, the extra pay does not apply. Consequently ZUS treats any incorrectly paid amount as unduly received and issues a recovery decision.

Groups at risk include people with suspended pensions due to earnings above legal limits. For example, those receiving early retirement (before 60 for women, 65 for men) lose payments if their work income exceeded 130% of the average wage in the prior quarter. In addition, some people who receive both ZUS and KRUS (agricultural) pensions may get two payments. In that case one of them is erroneous. Furthermore, special pensions paid outside ZUS rules, such as some Olympic or retired judge and prosecutor allowances, do not qualify for the thirteenth payment.

What the recovery notices mean in practice

ZUS sends a formal decision demanding repayment of the gross amount, i.e. 1,978.49 PLN. However, the bank statement showed a smaller net transfer. Therefore many seniors must plan finances quickly. ZUS can recoup the sum from future pensions in instalments. Moreover, the institution accepts a one-off refund. If you cannot pay, you may request a repayment plan. ZUS considers these requests case by case.

How to appeal and where to get help in Warsaw

You have 30 days to appeal from the date of delivery. Therefore act fast if you think ZUS recorded wrong data. Appeal to the Labour and Social Insurance Court via the ZUS branch that issued the decision. You can file in person, by post, or request a ZUS officer to record your appeal to protocol. In Warsaw, ZUS serves over 700,000 beneficiaries. Consequently several local branches and the PUE ZUS online portal offer help. In addition, municipal social services or a local translator can assist expats.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, check your ZUS account on PUE ZUS and your bank statement. Bring documents proving active status on 31 March (employment payslips, employer letters). Remember that ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) and KRUS (agricultural social security) operate separately. Also keep your PESEL (national ID number) ready when you call ZUS. If you paid PIT on the thirteenth pension but your annual income stays under 30,000 PLN, you can reclaim tax via PIT-37 or the e-PIT system.

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