Who is the energy lump sum for? Rules, amounts and conditions in 2026

Who is the energy lump sum for?

An energy lump sum is a monthly cash benefit intended to help cover the costs of electricity consumption. It is paid by the Social Insurance Institution, but not every retiree can count on it. Only persons listed in the Veterans Act are entitled to the allowance.

Those eligible include:

veterans and persons with equivalent status,

alternative military service soldiers forced to work (e.g. in mines or construction battalions),

widows and widowers of veterans and other entitled persons (if they receive a pension),

widows of forcibly employed soldiers (provided they are entitled to a pension or disability pension).

Importantly, the applicant's age and income are not taken into account when granting the lump sum. The only thing that matters is belonging to one of the above groups.

How much is the energy lump sum in 2026?

From March 1, 2026, the energy lump sum amount is PLN 336.16 per month. This amounts to as much as PLN 4,033.92 per year. This amount is indexed every year and its amount is announced by the Head of the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression in "Monitor Polski". The new rate is always valid from the beginning of March.

The benefit is free of income tax and does not affect the amount of other benefits, such as retirement or pension.

How to apply for an energy lump sum?

To receive an energy lump sum, you must obtain a decision from the Head of the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression, confirming veterans' activities or repressions suffered. In the case of widows and widowers, it is necessary to present a document confirming the rights of the deceased family member. Persons who were sent to forced labor as part of alternative military service must obtain an appropriate certificate from the Military Recruitment Center.

The next step is to complete the ZUS-ERK form, which can be downloaded from the ZUS website or collected at the branch. The application together with the required documents must be submitted in person at a ZUS branch or sent by post.

The Social Insurance Institution has 30 days to consider the application from the moment the complete set of documents is delivered. After a positive decision, the allowance will be added to the pension.