ZUS may demand return of 13th pension

10 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Millions received the 13th pension, but a 13th pension repayment may be required later if eligibility on the key date fails.

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has already paid the 13th pension to more than ten million people. However, the 13th pension repayment may be requested later if ZUS finds the payment was not due on the decisive date.

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13th pension repayment: why the money can be reclaimed

In 2026 the one-off additional payment equalled 1,978.49 PLN gross. Moreover, ZUS paid it automatically, so most recipients received it without filing any form. However, automatic payment does not guarantee final entitlement. Consequently, ZUS can later examine records and declare the sum nienależnie pobrane, which means unduly received. Therefore some retirees may face a demand to return the money.

Key dates matter. For example, ZUS checks status as of 31 March 2026. If a basic pension or disability benefit was suspended on that day, the later transfer might not have been due. In addition, the fact that a person already spent the money does not stop ZUS from issuing a recovery decision. Consequently the authority can order a reclaim.

Who should worry and how income limits work

The risk affects especially people on early retirement who also earn wages. Until 31 May 2026 a lower threshold for extra income stood at 6,438.50 PLN gross monthly. However, the crucial upper limit was 11,957.20 PLN gross. If a retiree exceeded that top threshold by the key date, ZUS could suspend the pension. Therefore someone may now be within new rules, but ZUS will judge based on the March situation. In short, later changes in income limits do not act retroactively.

Moreover, ZUS can demand not only the amount of the extra payment. It can also charge statutory interest for delay. Importantly, those interest charges count from the day after the wrongful payment. Consequently a decision months later can increase the sum to repay. Therefore recipients should examine any incoming letter from ZUS swiftly.

What options exist if ZUS issues a recovery decision

Do not ignore a decision. First, check the legal basis and the period covered. Then verify the calculation and the deadline. If you agree with ZUS, you can pay the amount and stop further interest accrual. Alternatively, ZUS may collect through deduction from current benefits. In addition, you can request instalments or relief in exceptional hardship cases. However, ZUS decides each case individually.

Furthermore, if you informed ZUS earlier about changed circumstances, that disclosure may limit recovery. If ZUS still paid despite your notice, the institution may reduce its claim. Nevertheless, you can always appeal the decision. Thus keep pay slips, employment records and any ZUS correspondence, as these documents help contest an incorrect ruling.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat receiving a Polish pension, register and update your details with ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution). Also keep payslips and written proof if you reported higher earnings or a suspension. You may need that evidence in an appeal. Finally, ask a trusted Polish-speaking advisor to explain deadlines and instalment options.

Look ahead. In autumn ZUS will pay a 14th pension and it follows different rules. For that payment the decisive date is 31 August 2026. Therefore mark both key dates on your calendar and check your records now.

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