Over 100 1000 Polish pensioners for years received underpaid benefits only due to the fact that retired in June. Although the situation has been identified a fewer years ago, a real repair of the harm can only happen now. Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers Today, he deals with a bill which, if passed, will revolutionize the situation of the victims. The problem is not new, but Only in 2025 was the government forced to dissolve it.
June pensioners injured by the system. The mistake cost them even a fewer 100 zlotys a month
Between 2009 and 2019 Those retiring in June were ambushed by the system. alternatively of a standard conversion of pension contributions utilizing quarterly valuation indicatorsZUS utilized annual valorisationmuch little favorable. As a result, the average difference in benefit was between 150 to even 500 PLN gross per monthand in utmost cases may have exceeded 600 zł.
For pensioners by more than 10 yearsthe full failure could have reached over 60 1000 PLN. Moreover, many of these individuals were not even aware that their benefits were wrongly understated by an authoritative decision arising solely from the date of termination of professional activity.
Constitutional Court reacts but late
The problem was yet noticed by Constitutional Courtis 2020 issued a ruling confirming that the application of only the yearly weighting of contributions in June was Non-Constitutional. As a result, 2021 changes were introducedwhich repaired the strategy – but only for future pensioners. Those who retired earlier were left left to myself.
The government explained this in a complicated legal and financial situation, but social force increased with each year. present – after close 4 years after the judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal – there is simply a real chance for system alignment losses.
What is the fresh project? Government may have a financing problem
According to the latest task prepared by Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, persons who have retired between 1 June 2009 and 30 June 2019.they can submit Recalculation request. Conversion shall be made taking into account more favourable quarterly valuation indicatorswhich were valid for the year.
That's not all— compensation will cover not only future benefitsbut besides outstanding payments for the full period during which the pension was undervalued. In practice, this may mean the payment of compensations of 10 to even 70 1000 PLN gross per person.
According to the Ministry's estimates, the cost of the operation for the state budget may exceed PLN 2 billion. That is why, despite the project, there are heated discussions in the government about its funding. Sources close to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister state that There is no unanimity on the pace of implementation of the Act.
– It's a social bomb that can no longer be ignored. But besides an costly bomb – says anonymously 1 of the members of the RM Standing Committee. “If we do not make a decision now, we can anticipate protests of seniors, besides in the election year.
Thirteen and fourteen don't do business – seniors want justice, not charity
In April, pensioners receive thirteenth pension of PLN 1878.91 grosswhich corresponds to a fresh minimum pension. It's expected to look the same. 14, paid in autumn, nevertheless only The poorest seniors they will receive the full amount. The others – proportionally little or not at all.
However, these allowances do not compensate Ten-year financial loss underpaid pensions. What's more, ZUS does not actively inform persons entitled to compensation, which raises questions about the transparency and intentions of the state.
Retirement organizations inform that the government should not only pass the bill, but besides guarantee complete automation of the conversion process, without having to submit complex applications.
– The state cannot punish people for retiring in June. It's absurd and profoundly unfair. Time to end this pathology – says the typical of the National elder Agreement.
Will ZUS manage the task?
ZUS is already facing a increasing wave of queries and conclusions. If the bill comes into force, the plant will gotta number manually or semi-automatically over 100 000 benefits, then make administrative decisions and pay the compensation due. Experts inform that possibly this paralyze the strategy for monthsunless the government provides additional resources and staff to handle the process.
Interestingly, although ZUS declares its readiness to implement the Act, in authoritative communications it avoids unambiguous declarations concerning conversion dates and late payment.
Seniors are already preparing collective lawsuits
If the task is not adopted, many of the pension communities are announcing collective actions against the Treasury. any law firms are already preparing to represent thousands of people who can request not only money but besides money. interest on late payment.
– It's not grace, it's law. Since the state has taken distant for years, it must now return – the lawyers comment.
Today, April 16, 2025, the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers shall take a decision which may end one of the biggest pension injustices of the last 2 decades. If the bill is not adopted, the case is likely to go to courts – national and European.
More here:
Government caught underwriting pensions! Over 100,000 seniors are waiting to be equalized
