Donald Tusk's government officially presented a draft regulation that brings disappointing news to millions of Polish elder citizens. In accordance with a paper published on the list of legislative work, the value of pensions and pensions in 2026 will be only 4.9 percent. This is the minimum legal rate and at the same time the lowest increase in many years. For a individual receiving a minimum benefit, this means an increase on his hand of about 83 PLN per month. This decision, although in line with the regulations, caused a wave of criticism and concerns about the real purchasing power of benefits in the face of ever-increasing costs of living. The government explains the low inflation rate, but for many pensioners specified a symbolic increase is hard to accept, especially after years, erstwhile valorisation reached a twelve percent.
Valorization 2026: Why are increases so low?
The minimum value of benefits is simply a direct consequence of 2 key economical indicators: a crucial fall in inflation and a comparatively tiny real wage growth. The Polish valorisation mechanics is closely dependent on these 2 factors. erstwhile inflation is low and wages do not grow dynamically, increases for pensioners automatically become modest. It is simply a mathematical consequence of a strategy that is designed to defend the real value of benefits, but in practice it does not always keep up with circumstantial spending of seniors, specified as the cost of medicines or wellness care.
It is worth noting that there were discussions in the government about changing the principles of valorisation. The Minister of the Family, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, advocated the introduction of more favourable conversions. 1 of the proposals was increase the share of wage growth in the calculation of the ratio from the current 20 percent to 50 percent. specified a change would importantly increase the tallness of increases. Unfortunately, this proposal did not find adequate support and it was yet not decided to implement any systemic changes. The government remained with a minimum statutory indicator, which for many is evidence of a deficiency of political will to make a real improvement in the material situation of pensioners.
How much precisely will pensioners get? circumstantial calculations
The applicable consequences of government decisions are the easiest to realize on circumstantial figures. From March 1, 2026 minimum pension will increase from current PLN 1878.92 gross to PLN 1970.98 gross. This means a nominal increase of PLN 92.06 gross. After deduction of the wellness premium and the income taxation advance, the real increase in the hand benefit will be approximately 83 gold per month. For seniors with the lowest benefits, who number each buck, this amount is far insufficient.
The valorisation mechanics works proportionately, which means that people with higher benefits can number on higher amount increases. For example:
- Retirement presently drawing PLN 3000 grossAfter valorisation, it will receive PLN 3147 gross. His bank account will be billed about a month. 116 PLN net more.
- Senior with a benefit of 4000 PLN gross can number on growth to PLN 4196 grosswhich translates into a net increase in the order PLN 155.
Although these increases are higher in quota, the percent remains low at 4.9%. This is simply a clear contrast compared to erstwhile years, erstwhile advanced inflation drove valorization up to a twelve percent, which translated into much more noticeable increases in elder portfolios.
"Third" and "Fourth" in 2026. Who's gonna lose on the income threshold?
Low value is straight translated into additional yearly benefits. Both thirteenth and fourteenth pensions are linked to the minimum pension. In 2026 both benefits will be PLN 1970.98 gross. This means that eligible seniors will receive a full of additional support of nearly PLN 3942 gross per year. However, this is simply a trap for many.
The profit threshold for the "fourteen" is now becoming key PLN 2900 gross. Persons who exceed this amount lose part of the benefit on a ‘gold for gold’ basis. Valorization, even so low, can make any pensioners fall into this trap. The pension collecting PLN 2,850 gross today, after an increase of 4.9%, will increase to around PLN 2990. That means that exceeds the threshold by PLN 90 and this amount will be reduced by its fourteenth pension. As a result, the profit from valorisation will be mostly offset by the failure on the extra benefit.
What's next for valorization? Experts and trade unionists are alerting
The draft regulation will now go to public and interministerial consultations. Trade unions have already announced a fight for a more favourable conversion factor, arguing that the current strategy does not take into account the real needs of seniors. Unfortunately, negotiations with employers' organisations so far have not brought an agreement. In the absence of consensus, the final decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers, and everything indicates that it will stay at a minimum rate, citing the budgetary capacity of the State.
Social policy experts have been informing for years that the strategy of valorisation needs reform. Among another things, it is proposed. introduction of a separate inflation rate for pensioners' householdswhich would better reflect the emergence in the prices of products and services key to this group, specified as medicines or medical care. Maintaining low valorisation rates in the long word threatens to deepen income inequality and increase poorness among the oldest Poles. This will surely become 1 of the main points of political debate in the coming months, especially in the context of the forthcoming presidential elections.
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Big disappointment for seniors. The government has announced a 2026 valorization. We know the amounts.
