Initially, the financial benefit was intended to be a one-time payment in 2019; however, prior to the 2019 Polish parliamentary election, the Law and Justice party pledged that, if re-elected, the benefit would become a permanent annual payment starting in 2020.[7][8] In 2019, the 13. pension was given to nearly 10 million people,[9] costing around 10.8 billion PLN.[10] In 2024 it was given to 8.5 million people,[11] and in 2025, between April 1 and 20, nearly 7 million receivers, with 13 billion PLN allocated from the state budget.[12]
Eligible recipients receive the pension regardless of how much they earn. The amount paid is the same for all beneficiaries.[13] The benefit is subject to a 9% deduction for health insurance; if the pension exceeds 2,500 PLN per month (or annual income exceeds 30,000 PLN), there is an additional 12% deduction for income tax (deducted from gross amount).[14]
Opinions
Goal
According to the legislator, the purpose of introducing the thirteenth pension was to provide financial support to retirees and disability pensioners, as well as to reduce social and economic inequalities.[15][16]
Positive
It is automatically paid together with the April pension (no application required), making it a regular and predictable form of financial support for seniors—temporary yet often strategically timed during a challenging period of the year. It helps mitigate the impact of inflation on retirees.[17]
Negative
The pension is granted to all retirees and disability pensioners, regardless of the amount of their benefits. Critics point out that individuals with higher pensions receive the same support as those with the lowest benefits, which can be perceived as unfair.[18]
