Care allowance – for whom and from when?

From January 2027, ZUS will start paying the care allowance for people born in 1952 - reminds Forsal.pl. This is good news for everyone who turns 75 next year.

This supplement is available not only to retirees, but also to pensioners who meet the age criteria or are completely incapable of living independently.

It is worth emphasizing that this benefit is granted automatically - you do not need to submit any additional applications. ZUS itself will determine the right to the supplement and will start paying it together with the pension or disability pension.

From March 1, 2026, the amount of the care allowance is PLN 366.68 gross per month. This amount is subject to annual indexation, so from March 2027 it may increase up to PLN 379 (assuming an increase in benefits of 3.48%).

The supplement is paid together with the basic retirement or disability benefit, at the same time.

To receive the care allowance, it is enough to be 75 years old or have a certificate confirming total incapacity for work and independent living. In the case of people who reach the required age, it is not necessary to present additional documents - ZUS will grant the benefit ex officio.

The care allowance is not payable to persons staying in care and treatment or care and care facilities, unless the stay outside the facility lasts longer than two weeks a month. Moreover, in connection with new regulations regarding the so-called widow's pension, some seniors may not experience a real increase in benefits.

According to the applicable regulations, the sum of all pension benefits cannot exceed three times the minimum pension, i.e. from March 2026 - PLN 5,935.47 - notes Infor.pl. If the total amount of benefits received exceeds this limit, ZUS will reduce the payments accordingly, which may mean that the care allowance will not increase the actual amount received by the senior.