Combining pensions with work

The right to combine the old-age pension with remuneration for work without any restrictions is granted to retired persons who fulfil both of the following conditions:

• have reached the normal retirement age,
• must have terminated their employment relationship concluded before acquiring the right to the old-age pension.

ZUS suspends old-age pension payments if the person insured has become entitled to the benefit and continues to work for the same employer without terminating the employment relationship. Such a person may terminate his/her employment contract and be re-employed with the previous employer (on the basis of a new employment contract) – then he/she will not lose the right to old-age pension payment.

Restrictions concerning benefits’ combination with incomes from work relate to:

• people who are drawing an old-age pension but have not yet reached the normal retirement age (e.g. recipients of bridging pensions),
• recipients of disability pensions.

The right to draw a pension depends on the income the beneficiary receives. When the monthly income of such a person amounts on average:

• up to 70% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS pays the entire pension,
• between 70 and 130% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS reduces the pension by the amount by which the income exceeds 70% of the average monthly wage/salary, but not more than the amount of maximum reductions set for the pension,
• above 130% of the average monthly wage/salary – ZUS suspends the payment.

In 2021, the annual income limit, which corresponded to 70% of the average monthly wage/salary, amounted to PLN 46,149.50. And the annual limit, which corresponded to 130% of the average monthly wage/salary, amounted to PLN 85,706.10. 

Legal status as of 2022