The fourteenth pension in Poland will be reduced to 1780.96 PLN, approximately 900 PLN less than in 2023. The government, led by Donald Tusk, has opted for the minimum possible amount for this additional pension, which is scheduled to be disbursed in September. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticized this decision, claiming that it takes money directly out of Poles’ pockets.
The Council of Ministers has approved the regulation, specifying that the fourteenth pension will be paid in September 2024. The amount set is equivalent to the minimum pension. According to the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy, those receiving a pension up to 2900 PLN gross will get the full 1780.96 PLN. For pensions exceeding 2900 PLN, the “złotówka za złotówkę” (peny for peny principle – ed.) principle will apply, reducing the additional pension by the amount exceeding this threshold.
Approximately 8.9 million pensioners and disability pensioners will receive the so-called fourteenth pension. Among them, 6.4 million will get the full amount, while 2.5 million will receive a reduced amount due to their higher pensions.
In 2023, the fourteenth pension was 2650 PLN gross for those with pensions up to 2900 PLN gross. This benefit is exempt from income tax and other deductions, such as garnishments, and does not count as income for social assistance or alimony purposes.
Opposition politicians have been vocal in their criticism of the reduced amount for 2024. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated, “Last year, the fourteenth pension was 2650 PLN gross, now it will be 1780 PLN. This money is taken directly from Poles’ pockets. Unfortunately, this is neither the first nor the last instance of this happening.”
PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński echoed these sentiments at a press conference in Nidzica, saying, “I remember the statement: ‘nothing given will be taken away,’ so this is another lie. This is also an extreme sign that we immediately have a financial crisis, because as soon as they come to power, (…) there’s no money.”
The debate over the fourteenth pension highlights the ongoing political tensions in Poland, with significant implications for the nation’s retirees.