Pensions for Belarusian Citizens in Poland

Illustrative photo

Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Pavel Latushka, held a meeting with the Director of the Foreign Pensions Department of the Social Insurance Institution of Poland (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych, ZUS), Andrzej Szybkie.

The ZUS representative informed that the preparation of a guidance note on the procedure for Belarusian citizens to obtain pensions in Poland is currently under review by ZUS management. Pavel Latushka requested that the preparation of this informational document be expedited for distribution among Belarusian citizens residing in Poland.

Andrzej Szybka explained that individuals entitled to a pension in Poland (regardless of the length of work in Poland and the amount of contributions paid to pension funds) are eligible for:

• "13th pension" (trzynasta emerytura) — an annual one-time payment equal to the minimum pension. In 2025, it amounts to PLN 1,878.91 gross (approximately PLN 1,709.81 net). It is granted automatically – no application is required;

• "14th pension" (czternasta emerytura) — an additional annual payment (usually in autumn) equal to the minimum pension. Full amount is granted to pensioners with income below the established threshold. It is also granted automatically;

• Care supplement (dodatek pielęgnacyjny) — paid automatically to people over 75 years old or fully disabled, regardless of age. In 2025, it will be PLN 348.22 per month. No application is required (except in special cases, e.g., staying in a nursing home);

• Care allowance (zasiłek pielęgnacyjny) — for people over 75 years old who do not receive the care supplement from ZUS. Requires an application at MOPS/GOPS (municipal social protection center);

• "500+ for the elderly" (świadczenie uzupełniające) — for fully disabled persons who do not receive other benefits. Amounts to PLN 500 per month. Requires an application and medical certification of disability.

It is recommended to submit pension applications at ZUS branches in the place of residence. They can also be sent by mail to the First Department of ZUS in Łódź (ul. Zamenhofa 2, 90-431 Łódź), but additional identity verification will be required later.

The ZUS representative confirmed the previously agreed arrangement by Pavel Latushka during the meeting at the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy of Poland regarding holding an informational meeting for Belarusian citizens residing in Poland on the subject of pensions. The date will be set shortly.

Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude to the Polish side for assisting Belarusian citizens.

Pavel Latushka stated:

"For the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, it is fundamentally important to provide maximum support and advisory assistance in lobbying for the interests of Belarusian citizens of pension age, who have been forced to reside in Poland, in order to facilitate their social support".

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