ZUS can suspend whole pension from Sept 1

26 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

ZUS pension limits change on Sept 1, 2026, lowering income thresholds that can cut or suspend pensions. Check gross earnings now.

From 1 September 2026, new ZUS pension limits will reduce the income thresholds for working pensioners. Consequently, this change can cut or even suspend an early pension or disability benefit for earners. Therefore all working beneficiaries should check gross pay for September.

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ZUS pension limits: what changes on September 1

From 1 September the lower monthly threshold equals 70 percent of average pay. It will be 6463.20 zł gross. Moreover the higher cap equals 130 percent. It will be 12 003.10 zł gross. However both numbers fall from current August levels. Currently the limits stand at 6694.10 zł and 12 431.80 zł gross.

Consequently the same salary can mean nothing in August. However it can trigger reductions in September. For example, 6600 zł gross sits below August’s lower cap. But it exceeds September’s 6463.20 zł. Therefore a beneficiary could face a pension cut for the month.

How ZUS will act and how much you could lose

First, exceeding the lower threshold does not automatically stop your pension. Instead the institution can reduce the monthly payout. In addition rules set maximum reductions. From 1 March 2026 those caps equal 989.41 zł for full pension or full disability pension. Moreover the maximum is 742.10 zł for partial disability pensions. Therefore family pensions paid to one person may be limited by 841.05 zł.

However crossing the higher limit may suspend the whole payment. Consequently a person earning above 12 003.10 zł gross can receive no pension at all for that period. Moreover ZUS may demand repayments if you did not report your income. Therefore report work and forecasted earnings via the EROP form.

Who must watch the limits and why it matters

Not every retiree faces these rules. People who reached standard retirement ages may work freely. For context, Poland sets retirement ages at 60 for women and 65 for men. However ZUS notes exceptions. In particular people whose calculated pension rose to the minimum benefit may still face limits. Therefore the main group affected remains those on early pensions and some disability beneficiaries.

Moreover many expats work while drawing Polish pensions. Consequently this change can affect household budgets. In addition payroll systems often report gross pay to ZUS. Therefore check payslips and confirm gross monthly totals. Also consult your employer payroll if you expect variable pay or bonuses.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland and draw an early pension, report any paid work to ZUS. Use form EROP to notify the institution about job start and expected earnings. Otherwise ZUS can reclaim overpaid benefits for up to three years. Also ask your payroll for gross monthly figures. Finally seek advice from a local accountant or social security lawyer if unsure.

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