According to the forecast adopted in the draft 2027 budget, pensions and disability benefits will rise by 3.96% from 1 March. The lowest pension would then increase from PLN 1,978.49 to PLN 2,056.84 gross.
What the 3.96% rate means
With indexation of 3.96%, the lowest pension would rise by PLN 78.35 gross per month. That is just over PLN 9 more than under the government’s June assumptions. At that time, the Council of Ministers spoke of an increase of “at least 3.48%” and a lowest pension of PLN 2,047.34 (Chancellery of the Prime Minister statement of 9 June). We described the difference between these variants in our article that 3.48% is no longer the latest forecast.
The indexation rate is the average annual growth of prices of consumer goods and services in 2026, increased by at least 20% of real growth in average wages. The government proposed a statutory minimum to the Social Dialogue Council. The parties did not reach a joint position. Trade unions wanted at least 50% real wage growth (Social Dialogue).
How much the budget allocates for indexation
The justification of the draft 2027 budget act shows that about PLN 19 billion has been set aside for indexing pension and disability benefits. PLN 32.1 billion is planned for the 13th and 14th pensions. From 1 January 2027, the widow’s pension rises from 15% to 25% of the second benefit (Ministry of Finance). We also reported that ZUS in its 2027 FUS plan projects PLN 471.3 billion for pensions and disability benefits.
13th and 14th pension
The 13th pension equals the lowest pension in force from 1 March. At an indexation rate of 3.96%, it would therefore amount to PLN 2,056.84 gross. The full amount of the 14th pension would be the same, though it is reduced for benefits above the income threshold.
When it will be known for sure
The forecast figures are not final. The final indexation rate depends on actual inflation and wage growth in 2026. It will be known after data for the whole year is published, and indexation will take effect on 1 March 2027.
