Social pension

The social pension is granted to an adult recognised as totally incapable of work due to impairment of bodily functions that had occurred before he or she reached 18, or 25 years of age if the person was attending a school or a tertiary level school. This benefit is also granted if the impairment of bodily functions occurred during education at doctoral school, doctoral studies or scientific post-graduate studies.

The right to the social pension may be awarded on a permanent or temporary basis. If ZUS evaluating doctor or ZUS medical board establishes that total incapacity for work is permanent, the eligible person is entitled to a permanent social pension. However, if they establish incapacity for work for a definite period, the person concerned is entitled to periodic social pension (for the period indicated in ZUS decision). Persons interested in extension of their social pension period should apply for re-establishment of the right to this benefit.

The social pension amounts to 100% of the minimum pension in respect of total incapacity for work, i.e. PLN 1,878.91.

The right to a social pension may be suspended or reduced on account of additional income, on the same terms as a pension in respect of total incapacity for work.

This means that when the average income of a person entitled to a social pension is:

• up to 70% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS pays out the entire pension,
• from 70 to 130% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS reduces the pension by the amount exceeding this limit, but not higher than the maximum reduction amount (applicable to pensions in respect of total incapacity for work),
• above 130% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS suspends the payment.

ZUS issues decisions on social pensions and pays out these benefits. They are financed from the state budget.

If a person is entitled to both a social pension and a survivors’ pension, ZUS reduces the social pension. The total amount of both benefits may not exceed 300% of the minimum pension in respect of total incapacity for work, that is PLN 5636.73. At the same time, the amount of social pension may not be lower than 10% of the minimum pension in respect of total incapacity for work, that is PLN 187.89. When the amount of the survi- vors’ pension exceeds 300% of the minimum pension in respect of total incapacity for work, the social pension is not granted.

For a person entitled to a social pension and a survivors’ pension from a pension provision system, the cumulation of benefits pursuant to the rules laid down in the Social Pension Act shall be carried out by the competent pension authority paying out the police or military survivors’ pension. The same authority is also responsible for the payment of benefits in the event of such a cumulation.

In 2024, ZUS paid out social pensions to 295.1 thousand people. The total amount of these benefits was PLN 6.157 billion.