According to the draft 2027 budget, the March indexation of pensions and disability benefits is set to be higher than the government previously assumed. This is still an estimate, however: the final rate will be known after the publication of data for 2026.
How big the increase will be
According to the macroeconomic forecasts of the Ministry of Finance, on which the draft budget bill is based, the forecast indexation rate for 2027 is 103.96%. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy told Fakt this, as reported by “Rzeczpospolita”. Benefits would therefore rise by 3.96%.
Earlier, in June, the government had said the increase would be at least 3.48%. Under that variant, the lowest pension would rise to 2,047.34 zł gross. The higher estimate results not from a change in the mechanism, but from a higher forecast inflation.
How indexation is calculated
The index is inflation (for pensioner households or in general, whichever is higher) increased by at least 20% of real growth in average wages. The Council of Ministers’ regulation of 28 July keeps this share at the statutory minimum. Data for 2026 will only be known after the new year, so the figure in the draft budget is a forecast, not a guarantee.
The draft budget plans about 19 billion zł for pension and disability benefit indexation. According to “Rzeczpospolita”, this is more than in the initial assumptions.
What it means for seniors
Indexation will take effect on 1 March 2027. The lowest pension and the disability benefit for total inability to work, currently 1,978.49 zł gross, would rise at a 3.96% index to 2,056.84 zł gross, i.e. by 78.35 zł. Other benefits rise proportionally. According to “Rzeczpospolita’s” calculations, gross pensions will increase:
- from 2,500 zł to 2,599 zł,
- from 3,000 zł to 3,119 zł,
- from 3,500 zł to 3,638 zł,
- from 4,000 zł to 4,158 zł,
- from 4,500 zł to 4,678 zł.
Net amounts will be lower after the health contribution and the PIT advance. Along with the lowest pension, the 13th pension will also change, to 2,056.84 zł gross. The maximum 14th pension will be the same. It is reduced “zloty for zloty” if the benefit exceeds 2,900 zł.
From 1 January 2027, the widow’s pension (renta wdowia) also increases: from 15% to 25% of the second benefit, in line with the adopted schedule.
Possible change in the rules
The debate has included a proposal to increase the share of real wage growth from 20% to 30%. According to calculations by Infor.pl, the index could then reach 4.29%. As that outlet reports, citing an interview with a government representative for Fakt, the topic was discussed with the finance minister. For now, the government’s regulation keeps the 20% share, and the budget is still being processed in the Sejm.
“Rzeczpospolita” notes that the increase will be smaller than those seniors received in previous years.
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