Will pensioners get more? This is how much the minimum pension could be in 2026

Pension indexation is a topic that returns every year and arouses particular emotions among seniors. For many of them, it is a basic element of the household budget. Every year, the government announces the indexation rate, based on the current level of inflation and wage growth, and the real value of pension benefits depends on it.

The changes announced for 2026 may particularly affect those receiving the lowest pensions and annuities. The aim of the indexation is to maintain the real value of benefits despite rising prices. The increases will be determined based on inflation from the previous year and a 20% real increase in the average salary.

On June 12, 2025, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft indexation of pension and disability benefits for 2026, assuming again a 20% supplement of real salary growth. In practice, this gives a combined increase of at least 4.9% , which means a minimum increase in benefits from March 1, 2026.

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With the current minimum gross pension of PLN 1,878.91, this means an increase to approximately PLN 1,970.98 gross . Net income will range from PLN 1,800 to PLN 1,820, i.e. the real profit in the portfolio will reach approximately PLN 90-110.

The increase in the minimum pension also entails an increase in the benefits associated with it. The pension or disability pension for total incapacity for work will also increase to PLN 1,970.98 gross. The partial pension will amount to PLN 1,478.23, and in the case of benefits for accidents at work or occupational diseases - PLN 2,365.18.

The partial pension in such cases will reach the level of PLN 1,773.88, and family and social pensions will be raised to the level of the new minimum pension. For many people, these changes mean an increase in benefits by PLN 70 to over PLN 110 per month.

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Next year's indexation will benefit not only those receiving minimum benefits. Pensions with higher base values ​​will also increase. Forecasts indicate that a gross pension of PLN 2,000 may increase by about PLN 100, and at PLN 2,500 - by about PLN 108.

According to the regulations, the indexation rate will be finally confirmed at the beginning of 2026. The Central Statistical Office will announce official inflation data by the end of January, and the real increase in wages will be announced by February 10. Only then will the Ministry of Family and Social Policy issue an appropriate announcement in "Monitor Polski".

The benefits will be automatically recalculated by ZUS, so there will be no need to submit any applications. The increased benefits will be transferred to accounts from March 1, 2026 .