The Confederation warned on 10 September that a future agreement with Brazil could replicate the mechanics known from the agreement with Ukraine. 1 day of work, however, does not automatically give PLN 1978.49: the surcharge requires a full internship of 20 or 25 years after summing up periods, surviving in Poland and including abroad benefits. Public spending rules are at stake.
One premium opens the way, but does not warrant the full amount
The dispute sparked statements by Confederate leaders. Sławomir Mentzen pointed out that a Ukrainian citizen can pay 1 contribution in Poland and then, after reaching retirement age, apply for Polish benefits. Krzysztof Bosak, in turn, warned against a akin coordination of Brazilian citizens. Radio Maryja stated that MPs Ryszard Wilk and Michał Wawer are working on a change of regulations that would depend on the collection of adequate capital at the Social safety Office.
The pension password for 1 day's work, however, needs to be added. A individual born after 1948 can get the right to a Polish pension after reaching the retirement age, if even a tiny contribution is recorded in his account. The benefit thus calculated corresponds to the capital raised, so after 1 day of work it would be symbolic. Only a separate minimum warrant mechanics can increase the full payment.
ZUS explains the principles of the Polish-Ukrainian agreement: periods of insurance in both countries can be summed up, but each State finances part of the benefit corresponding to the period of work in its system. The duration needed for the minimum warrant includes periods from both countries. That's 20 years for women and 25 years for men. Therefore, it is not allowed to compose that 1 day alone is adequate to receive a full Polish minimum pension.
The surcharge depends on the place of residence and abroad service
A minimum fee can be paid to a individual surviving in Poland. ZUS increases the sum of Polish and Ukrainian benefits to the level guaranteed in our country, and does not pay the full amount regardless of the pension due from Ukraine. The establishment controls the legality of the stay and the place of residence, and on leaving Poland the right to payment ceases.
From March 1, 2026 the lowest pension is PLN 1978.49 gross per month. The actual surcharge is the difference between this amount and the sum of benefits earned in Poland and Ukraine. It is so incorrect to supply 1 permanent subsidy for all citizen of Ukraine. The amount depends on the individual insurance history.
This does not mean that the political problem is gone. The State has the right to require a clearer link between the recipient and the Polish system, especially erstwhile the minimum warrant is financed jointly and severally. However, a fair full-account debate is needed. This besides shows summary of contributions made by Ukrainian citizens. The revenues to the strategy and the expenditure on subsidies must be counted separately, without propaganda in any direction.
Brazil is in the negotiation process
In June 2026 a typical of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy reported in the Sejm that the agreement with the Federative Republic of Brazil was among the agreements in process. The hotel besides listed India, Chile, the Faroe Islands, the Isle of Man and Jersey. The final text of the Polish-Brazilian agreement and the detailed financial implications were not presented publicly.
Such agreements are usually based on reciprocity, equal treatment, aggregation of insurance periods and transfer of benefits. The Ministry describes them as coordinating 2 systemsnot to make a pension without contributions. Poles who worked abroad can besides benefit. In the case of Brazil, this is crucial due to a large community of Polish origin and people moving professionally between both countries.
However, reciprocity does not exempt the government from the work to defend Polish finances. Before signing and ratifying the agreement, Poles should learn the principles of minimum subsidies, the estimated number of eligible persons and the cost to the Social Insurance Fund and the budget. The very fact of bringing Brazil closer to the ZUS coordination system is not adequate to measure the account. Numbers and draft contracts are needed.
Polish strategy needs a clear threshold
The most sensible course is to keep the right to supply proportional to paid contributions, while besides establishing a clear threshold for the aid financed in Poland. specified threshold may relate to the minimum period of insurance, capital recorded in the Social safety Office or the dimension of actual residence. It must comply with global agreements and include foreigners without collective responsibility.
The government should not sign another agreement to give credit. First the impact assessment, then the decision. The interest of people who have worked legally in respective countries deserves protection, but the warrant of the Polish minimum must have a strong and transparent connection with our system. Otherwise, the cost of political oversight will return to Poles in taxes or lower quality public services.
Source: Radio Maryja, Social Insurance Institution, Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy
Source: Radio Maryja
