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<h1>Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Europe, 2010</h1>
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<h1>Poland</h1>
<div class="exchangeRate">Exchange rate: <abbr class="spell">US</abbr>$1.00 equals 2.85&nbsp;zlotys.</div>
<h2>Old Age, Disability, and Survivors</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First laws:</span> 1927 (salaried employees) and 1933 (wage earners).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 1990 (farmers); 1997 (pension funds); 1998 (social insurance system), implemented in 1999; 1998 (social insurance fund); 2003 (social pension); and 2004 (individual pension accounts).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Notional defined contribution (<abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr>) social insurance and mandatory individual account system for <span class="nobr">old-age</span> benefits; social insurance system for disability and survivor benefits.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Social insurance (old system):</span> All economically active persons born before January&nbsp;1,&nbsp;1949.&nbsp;Those born from January&nbsp;1, 1949, to December&nbsp;31, 1968, could choose to remain in the old social insurance system or join the new system up until December&nbsp;31, 1999.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Social insurance, <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr>, and mandatory individual account (new system):</span> All economically active persons born after December&nbsp;31, 1968. Those born from January&nbsp;1, 1949, to December&nbsp;31, 1968, could choose to join the new system or remain in the old social insurance system up until December&nbsp;31, 1999.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for students, Polish citizens working abroad, persons providing care for a family member, and persons with previous mandatory coverage.</p>
<p>Special systems for individual farmers, military personnel, public prosecutors, judges, and police personnel.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<h4>Insured person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance (old system):</span> 9.76% of covered earnings for <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pensions and 1.5% of covered earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions are 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance, <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr>, and mandatory individual account (new system):</span> 2.46% of covered earnings for the <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension, 7.3% of covered earnings for the individual account, and 1.5% of covered earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>In addition, pension fund administrators may charge up to 3.5% of contributions (up to 0.54% of assets) and up to an additional 0.06% of assets (depending on fund performance) for annual administrative fees.</p>
<p>The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions are 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<h4>Self-employed person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance (old system):</span> 19.52% of declared earnings for <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pensions and 1.5% of declared earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>The minimum income used to calculate contributions is 60% of the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The maximum annual income used to calculate contributions is 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance, <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr>, and mandatory individual account (new system):</span> 12.22% of declared earnings for the <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension, 7.3% of declared earnings for the individual account, and 1.5% of declared earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>In addition, pension fund administrators may charge up to 3.5% of contributions (up to 0.54% of assets) and up to an additional 0.06% of assets (depending on fund performance) for annual administrative fees.</p>
<p>The minimum income used to calculate contributions is 60% of the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The maximum annual income used to calculate contributions is 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<h4>Employer</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance (old system):</span> 9.76% of covered payroll and 4.5% of covered earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions are 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Social insurance, <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr>, and mandatory individual account (new system):</span> 9.76% of covered payroll for the <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension, none for the individual account, and 6.5% of covered earnings for disability and survivor pensions.</p>
<p>The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions are 30&nbsp;times the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<h4>Government</h4>
<p>The total cost of the guaranteed minimum pension; pays pension contributions for insured persons taking child care leave or receiving maternity allowances, persons receiving unemployment benefits, and unemployed graduates.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> pension (old system):</span> Age&nbsp;65 (men) or age&nbsp;60 (women). Noncontributory years must not exceed 33.3% of contributory years. The age requirement is reduced for workers in certain hazardous occupations.</p>
<p>The pensionable age is reduced by 5&nbsp;years for women with at least 30&nbsp;years of coverage, war veterans, and persons assessed with a disability.</p>
<p>Partial pension: Paid if the insured does not have the required number of years of coverage at retirement age.</p>
<p>Nursing allowance: Paid to persons aged&nbsp;75 or older, or to those assessed with a total incapacity for work and dependent on others.</p>
<p><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> benefits are payable abroad under reciprocal agreement.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> pension (new system):</span> Age&nbsp;65 with at least 25&nbsp;years of coverage (men) or age&nbsp;60 with at least 20&nbsp;years of coverage (women).</p>
<p>Guaranteed minimum pension: Paid if the total amount of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension and the annuity from the individual account is below the legal minimum <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension.</p>
<p><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> benefits are payable abroad under reciprocal agreement.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension:</span> Paid for a total disability (incapacity for any work) or partial disability (greatly impaired earning capacity or total incapacity for usual work) with at least 5&nbsp;years of coverage (1&nbsp;to&nbsp;4&nbsp;years if younger than age&nbsp;30) during the last 10&nbsp;years. Noncontributory years must not exceed 33.3% of contributory years. The disability began during the coverage period or within 18&nbsp;months of the cessation of contributions.</p>
<p>Nursing allowance: Paid to persons assessed with a total incapacity for work and dependent on others.</p>
<p>Training pension: Paid to a person who is no longer capable of work in his or her usual job and is in vocational retraining.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> The deceased was a pensioner or had the required number of years of coverage for a disability or <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension at the time of death.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors are a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> aged&nbsp;50 at the time of the insured's death, incapable of work, rearing a child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;18 if a student), or caring for a disabled child whose disability began before age&nbsp;16 or before age&nbsp;25 if a student (a divorced spouse must be entitled to alimony and meet the qualifying requirements applied to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span>); dependent children younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;25 if a student, no limit if disabled and the disability began before age&nbsp;16 or before age&nbsp;25 if a student); and parents if they were dependent on the deceased and fulfill the requirements applied to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span>.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> Paid for the funeral of the insured, a pensioner, or a member of his or her family.</p>
<h3><span class="nobr">Old-Age</span> Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> pension (old system):</span> The pension is the sum of 24% of national average earnings, 1.3% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of contribution years, and 0.7% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of eligible noncontributory years (for example, for years spent rearing children).</p>
<p>The insured's earnings used to calculate the pension are equal to average monthly earnings in 10&nbsp;consecutive calendar years chosen by the insured from the 20&nbsp;years before the year of the claim or in 20&nbsp;years selected from the total coverage period. Previous earnings are adjusted for inflation.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate benefits for each contributory year are 250% of the average national monthly earnings in the previous calendar year minus social security contributions. The average national monthly earnings (minus social security contributions) are 2,716.71&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Nursing allowance: 181.10&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid.</p>
<p>Earnings test: For pensioners younger than the statutory retirement age, the monthly pension is reduced if income is higher than 70% but lower than 130% of the average national monthly earnings. If the income received exceeds 130% of the average national monthly earnings, the pension is suspended.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted automatically according to price increases when the aggregate growth of the consumer price index exceeds 5%.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension (new system):</span> The pension is based on the total value of contributions paid to the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> insurance program (subject to adjustment) divided by average life expectancy at the age of retirement.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Mandatory individual account <span class="nobr">old-age</span> (new system):</span> An annuity is purchased with the funds from the individual account.</p>
<p>Guaranteed minimum pension: Paid if the total amount of the <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension and the annuity from the individual account is less than the legal minimum <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension (old and new systems):</span> If the insured has a total disability, the pension is the sum of 24% of national average earnings, 1.3% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of contribution years, 0.7% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of eligible noncontributory years (for example, for years spent rearing children), and 0.7% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of projected years needed to give a maximum of 25&nbsp;years of coverage from the day of the claim up to age&nbsp;60. Noncontributory years must not exceed 33.3% of contributory years.</p>
<p>The insured's earnings used to calculate the pension are equal to average monthly earnings in 10&nbsp;consecutive calendar years chosen by the insured from the 20&nbsp;years before the year of the claim or in 20&nbsp;years selected from the total coverage period. Previous earnings are adjusted for inflation.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate benefits for each contributory year are 250% of the average national monthly earnings.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p>Earnings test: The pension is reduced if the insured's income is higher than 70% but lower than 130% of the average national monthly earnings. If the income received exceeds 130% of the average national monthly earnings, the pension is suspended.</p>
<p>The disability pension is replaced by an <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension at retirement age and there is no earnings test.</p>
<p>The monthly minimum pension for a total disability is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Partial disability pension: 75% of the total disability is paid.</p>
<p>The monthly minimum pension for a partial disability is 543.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Nursing allowance: 181.10&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid.</p>
<p>Training pension: The pension is 75% of the earnings used for calculating the insured's disability pension and is paid for up to 6&nbsp;months; may be paid for up to 30&nbsp;months in certain cases.</p>
<p>The minimum monthly training pension is 100% of the minimum monthly pension for a partial disability.</p>
<p>Benefits are payable abroad under reciprocal agreement.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted automatically according to price increases when the aggregate growth of the consumer price index exceeds 5%.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension (old and new systems):</span> The pension varies according to the number of survivors: one survivor receives 85% of the insured's <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension; two survivors, 90%; three or more survivors, 95%. If the deceased was not eligible for the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension, the survivor pension is calculated based on the disability pension.</p>
<p>Earnings test: The pension is reduced if the insured's income is higher than 70% but lower than 130% of the average national monthly earnings. If the income received exceeds 130% of the average national monthly earnings, the pension is suspended.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly survivor pension is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted automatically according to price increases when the aggregate growth of the consumer price index exceeds 5%.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> A lump sum of up to twice the average national earnings in force on the day of the insured's death is paid (6,632.76&nbsp;zlotys in June&nbsp;2010).</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Old system:</span> Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina">http://www.mpips.gov.pl</a>) provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl), with 43 branch offices, administers the program.</p>
<p><span class="h4">New system:</span> Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl), with 43 branch offices, administers the <abbr class="spell">NDC</abbr> program.</p>
<p>Polish Financial Supervision Authority (<a href="https://www.knf.gov.pl">http://www.knf.gov.pl</a>) supervises mandatory individual account providers.</p>
<h2>Sickness and Maternity</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1920.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 1997 (rehabilitation), 1999 (sickness and maternity), 2003 (health fund), and 2004 (health benefits).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash sickness and maternity benefits:</span> All employees.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons, artists, and authors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span> All employees, self-employed persons, artists, authors, pensioners, unemployment allowance beneficiaries, persons undergoing professional rehabilitation, students, and the insured's dependent family members.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage is possible.</p>
<p>Special systems for individual farmers, military personnel, and police personnel.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<h4>Insured person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Cash benefits:</span> 2.45% of gross earnings.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Medical benefits:</span> 9% of gross earnings.</p>
<p>There are no maximum earnings used to calculate contributions.</p>
<h4>Self-employed person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Cash benefits:</span> 2.45% of declared earnings.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Medical benefits:</span> 9% of declared earnings.</p>
<p>The minimum earnings used to calculate contributions are 60% of the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p>There are no maximum earnings used to calculate contributions.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Subsidies for medical benefits.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash sickness and maternity benefits:</span> Currently in insured employment with at least 30&nbsp;days of continuous coverage; 180&nbsp;days of continuous coverage for the voluntarily insured.</p>
<p>Accidents that occur while commuting to and from work are covered.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span> Must be currently insured or receiving social benefits, including persons in <span class="nobr">full-time</span> education and unemployed persons.</p>
<h3>Sickness and Maternity Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Sickness benefit:</span> 80% of average insured earnings (70% in the case of hospitalization) in the 6&nbsp;months before the incapacity began is paid for 90&nbsp;days. 100% of earnings is paid if the incapacity begins during pregnancy or is the result of an accident while commuting to or from work.</p>
<p>The benefit is paid from the first day of incapacity for up to 182&nbsp;days (may be extended to 270&nbsp;days if recovery is likely or in the case of tuberculosis). The employer pays the benefit for the first 33&nbsp;days.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Rehabilitation allowance:</span> If recovery is likely, the rehabilitation benefit may be paid after entitlement to the sickness benefit is exhausted. The benefit is 75% of average insured earnings and is paid for up to 12&nbsp;months.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Compensatory allowance:</span> Paid to employees to compensate for lost earnings resulting from a loss in working capacity. The insured must undergo vocational rehabilitation for a period of up to 24&nbsp;months. The benefit is the difference between the insured's average earnings during the last 3&nbsp;months and the earnings received during vocational rehabilitation.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Maternity benefit:</span> 100% of average insured earnings in the last 6&nbsp;months is paid for 20&nbsp;weeks (31 to 37&nbsp;weeks for multiple births, depending on the number of children born).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Care allowance:</span> 80% of average insured earnings in the last 6&nbsp;months is paid for up to 60&nbsp;days per calendar year if the insured takes leave from work to care for a healthy child younger than age&nbsp;8 or a sick child younger than age&nbsp;14. The allowance may be paid for up to 14&nbsp;days to care for any other sick family member.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>Private health care providers under contract to the National Health Fund Medical provide services directly to patients. Benefits include general and specialist care; hospitalization; surgeries specified by the Ministry of Health; laboratory services; dental care, including dental prostheses; ophthalmology and optician services; functional and vocational rehabilitation; free transportation; and basic prescription drugs.</p>
<p>Patients may choose the doctor and hospital.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration if employed; if employment ceases, coverage continues for 26&nbsp;weeks (may be extended to 39&nbsp;weeks).</p>
<p>Cost sharing: There is no cost sharing for basic health care. Government provides a partial subsidy for basic prescription drugs.</p>
<h3>Dependents' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>Private health care providers under contract to the National Health Fund Medical provide services directly to patients. Benefits include general and specialist care; hospitalization; surgeries specified by the Ministry of Health; laboratory services; dental care, including dental prostheses; ophthalmology and optician services; functional and vocational rehabilitation; free transportation; and basic prescription drugs.</p>
<p>Patients may choose the doctor and hospital.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration if employed; if employment ceases, coverage continues for 26&nbsp;weeks (may be extended to 39&nbsp;weeks).</p>
<p>Cost sharing: There is no cost sharing for basic health care. Government provides a partial subsidy for basic prescription drugs.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina">http://www.mpips.gov.pl</a>) supervises cash benefits.</p>
<p>Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl) administers cash benefits.</p>
<p>Ministry of Health (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/">http://www.mz.gov.pl</a>) supervises medical benefits.</p>
<p>National Health Fund (<a href="http://www.nfz.gov.pl">http://www.nfz.gov.pl</a>) administers public health funds and contracts medical services.</p>
<h2>Work Injury</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1984.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 2002 (cash benefits) and 2004 (health care benefits).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>All economically active persons, including self-employed persons.</p>
<p>Special systems for individual farmers, public prosecutors, judges, military personnel, and police personnel.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> 1.93% of declared earnings.</p>
<p>The minimum earnings used to calculate contributions are 60% of the average national monthly earnings set by the budget law.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> From 0.90% to 3.60% of payroll, according to the assessed degree of risk and the number of employees.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> The cost of specialized procedures and public health promotion.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Work injury benefits:</span> There is no minimum qualifying period.</p>
<h3>Temporary Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Temporary disability benefit:</span> 100% of average earnings in the 6&nbsp;months before the disability began is paid from the first day for up to 26&nbsp;weeks (may be extended to 39&nbsp;weeks).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Rehabilitation allowance:</span> If recovery is likely, entitlement to the temporary disability benefit may be followed by entitlement to the rehabilitation allowance. The allowance is&nbsp;100% of earnings and is paid for up to 12&nbsp;months.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Permanent disability benefit:</span> If the insured has a total disability, the benefit is the sum of 24% of the national average earnings, 1.3% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of contribution years, 0.7% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of eligible noncontributory years (for example, for years spent rearing children), and 0.7% of the insured's earnings multiplied by the number of projected years needed to give a maximum of 25&nbsp;years of coverage from the day of the claim up to age&nbsp;60. Noncontributory years must not exceed 33.3% of contributory years.</p>
<p>The insured's earnings used to calculate benefits are equal to average monthly earnings in 10&nbsp;consecutive calendar years chosen by the insured from the 20&nbsp;years before the year of the claim or in 20&nbsp;years selected from the total coverage period. Previous earnings are adjusted for inflation.</p>
<p>The maximum earnings used to calculate benefits are 250% of the average national monthly earnings.</p>
<p>The average national monthly earnings are 3,102.96&nbsp;zlotys (2009).</p>
<p>The minimum benefit must not be lower than 120% of the minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension. The minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Earnings test: The benefit is reduced if the insured's income is higher than 70% but lower than 130% of average national monthly earnings. If the income received exceeds 130% of average national monthly earnings, the pension is suspended. There is no earnings test after reaching the statutory retirement age.</p>
<p>Nursing allowance: 181.10&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid.</p>
<p>Partial disability benefit: The benefit is at least 60% of the insured's earnings and not less than 120% of the minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension.</p>
<p>The minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Training benefit:</span> 100% of the earnings used for calculating the disability benefit is paid to a person who is no longer capable of work in his or her usual job and is undergoing vocational retraining. The pension is paid for 6&nbsp;months; may be paid for up to 30&nbsp;months in certain cases.</p>
<p>The minimum training benefit must not be less than 120% of the minimum monthly <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension. The monthly minimum <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Lump-sum</span> benefit:</span> Paid for permanent or <span class="nobr">long-term</span> health damage as the result of a work injury or an occupational disease. The benefit is 20% of average monthly earnings for each percentage of assessed permanent or <span class="nobr">long-term</span> health damage. The lump sum is increased by 3.5&nbsp;times average monthly earnings if the insured person needs the constant attendance of another person.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>All necessary medical care is provided.</p>
<p>The total cost of medical services is met by the National Health Fund.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> The pension varies according to the number of survivors: one survivor receives 85% of the insured's <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension; two survivors, 90%; three or more survivors, 95%.</p>
<p>The minimum benefit must not be less than 120% of the minimum monthly survivor pension paid under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p>The minimum monthly survivor pension paid under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors is 706.29&nbsp;zlotys.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors are a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> aged&nbsp;50 at the time of the insured's death, incapable of work, rearing a child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;18 if a student), or caring for a disabled child whose disability began before age&nbsp;16 or before age&nbsp;25 if a student (a divorced spouse must be entitled to alimony and meet the qualifying requirements applied to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span>); dependent children younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;25 if a student, no limit if disabled and the disability began before age&nbsp;16 or before age&nbsp;25 if a student); and parents if they were dependent on the deceased and fulfill the requirements applied to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span>.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Lump-sum</span> benefit for family members:</span> The benefit is 18&nbsp;times the deceased's average monthly earnings for a surviving spouse or the first child plus 3.5&nbsp;times the deceased's average monthly earnings for the second and each subsequent survivor; 9&nbsp;times the deceased's average monthly earnings if there is no surviving spouse or child plus 3.5&nbsp;times the deceased's average monthly earnings for the second and each subsequent survivor.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina">http://www.mpips.gov.pl</a>) provides general supervision of cash benefits.</p>
<p>Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl) administers cash benefits.</p>
<p>Ministry of Health (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/">http://www.mz.gov.pl</a>) provides general supervision of medical benefits.</p>
<h2>Unemployment</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1924.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 2004 (employment promotion) and 2004 (early retirement).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employed persons.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Self-employed persons.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> 2.45% of gross payroll.</p>
<p>There are no maximum earnings used to calculate contributions.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Any deficit.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Unemployment benefit:</span> The insured must be older than age&nbsp;18, registered with the employment bureau, able and ready to work, involuntarily unemployed, and must not have received any redundancy pay or compensation. The insured's earnings must have been at least the minimum wage during at least 365&nbsp;days in the <span class="nobr">18-month</span> period before unemployment (periods of military service, parental leave, and receipt of allowances are credited toward the <span class="nobr">365-day</span> period).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Preretirement benefit:</span> The insured is unemployed, eligible to receive the unemployment benefit, and aged&nbsp;63 with at least 25&nbsp;years of coverage (men) or aged&nbsp;58 with at least 20&nbsp;years of coverage (women); involuntarily unemployed and aged&nbsp;60 with at least 25&nbsp;years of coverage (men) or aged&nbsp;55 with at least 20&nbsp;years of coverage (women); or any age and involuntarily unemployed with at least 40&nbsp;contributory or noncontributory years of coverage (men) or at least 35&nbsp;contributory or noncontributory years of coverage (women).</p>
<h3>Unemployment Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Unemployment benefit:</span> The benefit is a <span class="nobr">flat-rate</span> base amount (573.60&nbsp;zlotys a month for the first 3&nbsp;months; thereafter, 460&nbsp;zlotys a month) for those with between 5&nbsp;and&nbsp;20&nbsp;years of employment; 80% of the base amount is paid with less than 5&nbsp;years; 120% of the base amount is paid with more than 20&nbsp;years. The benefit is paid for 6&nbsp;to&nbsp;18&nbsp;months, depending on the unemployment rate in the region.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Preretirement benefit:</span> The benefit is 90% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension paid at age&nbsp;65 (men) or age&nbsp;60 (women).</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina">http://www.mpips.gov.pl</a>) provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Voivodships (provinces) and local labor bureaus pay benefits and keep registries of unemployed persons and jobs.</p>
<p>Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl) collects payroll contributions from enterprises.</p>
<h2>Family Allowances</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1947.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 2003.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Universal system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>All persons residing in Poland.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> The total cost.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Family allowances (means-tested):</span> Paid to a mother, father, or guardian for a child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;21 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student, age&nbsp;24 with a learning disability). The family's per capita average monthly income must not have exceeded 504&nbsp;zlotys in the previous calendar year (583&nbsp;zlotys for families with a disabled child).</p>
<p>Childbirth supplement (means-tested): Paid to a mother, father, or guardian for each child born after April&nbsp;30, 2004. The family must be eligible for family allowances.</p>
<p>Parental leave supplement (means-tested): Paid to a mother, father, or guardian for the care of a child younger than age&nbsp;4 (age&nbsp;18 if disabled). The family must be eligible for family allowances.</p>
<p>Single parent's young child supplement (means-tested): Paid to a single parent or guardian who is eligible for family allowances but not for the unemployment benefit. The child must be younger than age&nbsp;7.</p>
<p>Single parent's child supplement (means-tested): Paid to a single parent or guardian who is eligible for family allowances and meets the income test (alimony is excluded). The child must be younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;21 if a student, age&nbsp;24 with a learning disability).</p>
<p>Education and rehabilitation supplement (means-tested): Paid to a mother, father, or guardian for up to 12&nbsp;months to cover part of the cost of the rehabilitation or education of a child younger than age&nbsp;16 with a disability (age&nbsp;24 if moderately or severely disabled).</p>
<p>Beginning of school year supplement (means-tested): Paid to a mother, father, or guardian in September each year for children entitled to family allowances.</p>
<p>School travel and board supplement (means-tested): Paid to a mother, father, or guardian for 10&nbsp;months (from September to June) for children entitled to family allowances. If the child's home is far from school, the supplement covers part of the travel or boarding costs necessary to attend school.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing allowance (means-tested):</span> Paid to persons incapable of living independently, children younger than age&nbsp;16 with a disability (age&nbsp;16 or older if severely disabled), adults with a moderate degree of disability whose disability began before age&nbsp;21, and persons aged&nbsp;75 or older.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing benefit (means-tested):</span> Paid to a mother, father, or guardian who ceases work to care for a child younger than age&nbsp;16 with a disability or an older person with a severe disability.</p>
<h3>Family Allowance Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Family allowances (means-tested):</span> The amount paid depends on the child's age: up to 68&nbsp;zlotys for a child aged up to 5; 91&nbsp;zlotys for a child aged&nbsp;6 to 18; 98&nbsp;zlotys for a child aged&nbsp;19 to 24.</p>
<p>Childbirth supplement (means-tested): A lump sum of 1,000&nbsp;zlotys is paid for each child.</p>
<p>Parental leave supplement (means-tested): 400&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid for up to 24&nbsp;months for one child; 36&nbsp;months for multiple births; 72&nbsp;months for a child with a disability.</p>
<p>Single parent's young child supplement (means-tested): 400&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid.</p>
<p>Single parent's child supplement (means-tested): 170&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid for each child (250&nbsp;zlotys a month for each child with a disability), up to 750&nbsp;zlotys per family.</p>
<p>Education and rehabilitation supplement (means-tested): 60&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid for a child younger than age&nbsp;5; 80&nbsp;zlotys for a child aged&nbsp;5&nbsp;to&nbsp;24.</p>
<p>Beginning of school year supplement (means-tested): A lump sum of 100&nbsp;zlotys is paid.</p>
<p>School travel and board supplement (means-tested): 90&nbsp;zlotys a month (50&nbsp;zlotys for children who commute) is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing allowance (means-tested):</span> A lump sum of 153&nbsp;zlotys is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing benefit (means-tested):</span> 420&nbsp;zlotys a month is paid.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (<a href="https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina">http://www.mpips.gov.pl</a>) provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Social Insurance Institution (http://www.zus.pl) and the Agricultural Social Security Fund (http://www.krus.gov.pl) administer the program through&nbsp;16&nbsp;branch offices.</p>
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