Since June 2025 thousands of Polish pensioners and pensioners gotta follow their income with increased attention. The Social Insurance Institution has introduced new, higher limits on subsidies, which straight affect the amount of benefits paid. Overshooting the first threshold, set at PLN 6273.60 gross, results in a simplification in pension or pension. In turn, earnings above the second threshold PLN 11651 gross, mean the full suspension of payment of the benefit. These changes are crucial for those in early retirement and for all those who work actively. Failure to comply with the fresh rules can lead to serious financial consequences, including the request to reimburse undue collection of money for up to 3 years back. Therefore, it is crucial to realize precisely who the fresh regulations are and how to avoid painful deductions.
New income thresholds. How much can you gain to retire?
The cap strategy is based on 2 key thresholds, which are updated quarterly on the basis of data of the Central Statistical Office with average wage in the economy. As of June, fresh higher amounts are in force, which each supplier must know.
The first lower threshold is 70% of average monthly salary. This is now the amount PLN 6273.60 gross. If the monthly income of the pensioner exceeds this value but does not exceed the second threshold, the Social Insurance Institution will reduce the benefit. The amount of the deduction depends on the amount of the excess, but may not exceed the maximum simplification laid down in the rules.
The second, higher threshold is 130% of average salary, which is PLN 11651 gross A month. The overrun of this amount is much more severe. In specified a situation ZUS completely suspends payment of pension for a given month. The benefit will not be reinstated until the income of the recipient has again fallen below that limit. Regular checking of current thresholds, published by ZUS in “Polish Monitor”, is an absolute necessity.
How much precisely can you lose? ZUS gives circumstantial amounts
Crossing the first income threshold does not mean the failure of the full benefit, but its simplification by a specific, statutoryly defined amount. As of March 2025, there are fresh maximum amounts of simplification that depend on the kind of benefit. It is worth knowing these values to accurately estimation the financial hazard associated with extra work.
The maximum amounts by which ZUS may reduce the benefit are as follows:
- PLN 939,61 – for a pension for full incapacity for work.
- PLN 704.75 – for a partial incapacity pension.
- PLN 798.72 – for a household pension to which 1 individual is entitled.
It is besides worth noting that there are peculiar regulations for widowers. In the case of a 15% benefit, the maximum simplification amounts are importantly lower. However, it should be remembered that since January 2027 the widow’s pension is planned to be increased to 25% of the benefit after the deceased spouse, which will besides affect these limits in the future.
Who is afraid and who is not subject to the fresh limits?
Restrictions on mowing do not apply to all pensioners. It is crucial to find whether our professional situation and age qualify us for a limited group. The rules specify precisely who has to look after his earnings and who can work without any restrictions.
Limits for extracurricular activities apply primarily to persons collecting early retirement (i.e. before reaching the general retirement age) and all pensioners – both for incapacity for work and for the collection of household or social pensions. It is these groups who must carefully monitor their revenue.
Persons who are exempt from the limits shall be reached universal retirement age60 years for women and 65 years for men. They may extradite without limitation, on 1 key condition: they may not proceed to work with the same employer they worked with before retiring, without prior termination of the employment relationship. Nor do the restrictions apply to persons with the right to a invalidity pension, a military invalidity or household pension after those persons.
Obligation to inform ZUS. How to avoid penalties and reimbursement of benefits?
Just monitoring income is not everything. Each pensioner subject to limits has a legal work to regularly inform the Social safety Office of the amount of his income. Failure to comply with this formality may lead to far more serious consequences than the specified temporary simplification in the benefit.
Special communication with the office EROP form (Accounting Statement). It should declare the gross generated in the erstwhile calendar year. The time limit for submission of this paper shall expire. at the end of February each year. On the basis of this information, ZUS makes an yearly settlement of the benefit, checking that payments were made in the correct amount.
Proactive action is crucial. If the recipient realises that he has exceeded the limit and will study it to the Social Insurance Institution, the possible reimbursement of overpaid benefits will only apply to the last year. But if it is ZUS will detect irregularities during control, may request reimbursement of unduly collected money, including interest for the period even 3 years back. This may mean giving up a twelve or even tens of thousands of zlotys, which would be a financial disaster for many people.
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ZUS changes key limits. 1 mistake and you lose your full pension!
