Supplementary benefit 500+
PLN 500/month for adults (18+) recognised as unable to live independently (ZUS medical assessment or county disability assessment team). Złoty-for-złoty mechanism: if total benefits from public funds + PLN 500 exceed the threshold (PLN 2,687.67 gross from 1.03.2026 — ZUS President's communication of 17.02.2026), the PLN 500 amount is reduced by the surplus. Application form ESUN to ZUS.
Check in the calculator →Who is entitled?
- Adults (18+) with a ZUS medical assessment of inability to live independently
- Persons with an assessment of total incapacity for work and to live independently
- Persons with a Class I disability assessment (issued before 1.09.1997, treated as equivalent)
- Total benefits from public funds below the threshold PLN 2,687.67 gross (from 1.03.2026, ZUS President's communication of 17.02.2026)
- Residing in Poland (PL/EU/EEA citizens with right of residence)
WARNING: a severe disability assessment alone is NOT sufficient. A separate assessment of inability to live independently is required (separate criterion, ZUS medical assessment).
How to apply?
Step 1: ZUS assessment
Apply for an assessment of inability to live independently with ZUS — form OL-9 (examination by a ZUS medical examiner). If you already have such an assessment, go to step 2.
Step 2: ESUN application
Submit ESUN form for the supplementary benefit to ZUS. Required: assessment of inability to live independently, documents confirming other benefit amounts.
Step 3: ZUS decision
ZUS reviews the application within 30-60 days. After a positive decision, pays the benefit monthly. Appeal possible within 30 days of the decision.
PUE ZUS portal
Fastest route — ESUN form online, application status visible in the panel.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I draw the supplementary benefit together with other benefits?
- Yes, but a złoty-for-złoty mechanism applies (art. 2 sec. 2 of the Act). If the total of your benefits from public funds + PLN 500 exceeds the threshold (PLN 2,687.67 from 1.03.2026), the PLN 500 amount is reduced by the surplus.
- Am I entitled if my pension is PLN 3,000?
- No. The income threshold PLN 2,687.67 (from 1.03.2026) is CALCULATED FROM THE SUM OF BENEFITS. If you draw only a pension of PLN 3,000 — you exceed the threshold, so the supplementary benefit is not granted.
- Which assessment qualifies?
- Required: assessment of inability to live independently issued by: (a) a ZUS medical examiner, (b) a ZUS medical commission, (c) military or MSWiA assessment bodies, or (d) Class I disability assessment (issued before 1.09.1997).
- Is the threshold PLN 2,552 or PLN 2,688 — which amount applies?
- The threshold is indexed annually on 1 March together with the lowest pension. 2024: PLN 2,419.33. 2025: PLN 2,552.39 (after 105.5% indexation). 2026: PLN 2,687.67 (after 105.3% indexation) — confirmed by the ZUS President's communication of 17.02.2026.
- Is the benefit taxed?
- No. Supplementary benefit 500+ is exempt from PIT (art. 21 sec. 1 item 100a of the PIT Act).
Do you have an assessment of inability to live independently?
Check in the calculator whether you meet the income threshold and which other benefits you can combine it with.
Open the calculator →