Biznes Fakty
„A significant part of benefits is financed from current contributions”. ZUS report
As of the end of March this year, the number of individuals insured through the Social Insurance Institution has increased by 16.3 thousand compared to the previous year, according to the latest report from ZUS. – A considerable portion of the benefits is funded by ongoing contributions – notes Radosław Socha, the deputy director for fund planning in the ZUS Finance Department. Nevertheless, expenditures from the Social Insurance Fund have risen as well – by nearly PLN 12 billion.
In the report, ZUS highlighted that during the first quarter of 2025, the Social Insurance Fund (FUS) fulfilled its responsibilities effectively and punctually.
„In spite of the persistent demographic challenges, Poland’s social security system remains stable and continues to operate without interruption,” it stated.
The report indicates that social security contributions in the first quarter of this year totaled PLN 93.2 billion, reflecting an increase of 10.1 percent compared to the same time frame in 2024.
Contribution Expenditure Coverage Ratio
The report mentions that the ratio of expenditures covered by contributions remains robust. In the first quarter of 2025, this ratio was 81.9%.
– This indicates that a significant portion of benefits is financed through current contributions, which further substantiates the strong foundations of the system – commented Radosław Socha, deputy director for fund planning at the ZUS Finance Department.
The report emphasizes that the condition of the Social Insurance Fund is primarily bolstered by the ongoing positive economic environment in the labor market.
As of the end of March this year, the number of individuals enrolled in pension and disability insurance was 16.3 thousand greater than the previous year. The figure of foreigners registered with ZUS continues to rise. By the end of March this year, there were over 1 million 210 thousand such individuals (with nearly two-thirds being Ukrainian nationals) – an increase of 6.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
Billions in subsidies from the budget
ZUS pointed out that the funds from the state budget, which consistently support the fund, provide additional security and ensure the continuity of payments. From January to March this year, FUS received PLN 10.0 billion in subsidies from the budget, which represents an increase of PLN 0.6 billion compared to the same period in 2024.
„The system is functioning as planned. ZUS is disbursing pensions, annuities, benefits, and other entitlements to which the insured individuals are entitled in a timely manner,” the report highlighted.
FUS expenditures for the first quarter of this year reached PLN 110 billion, which is PLN 11.8 billion higher than in the first quarter of 2024. The spending on pensions and annuities financed from FUS amounted to PLN 97 billion, which is a 12.2 percent increase compared to the previous year.
A challenge for the social security system
The average pension benefit was PLN 3,909.79, representing an increase of 11.2 percent compared to the same period last year. ZUS explained that this is mainly due to the indexation of benefits at a rate of 105.5 percent.
The report noted that demographic shifts, particularly the increasing percentage of older individuals in society, continue to pose a challenge for the social security system.
„However, the stable labor market situation and the influx of foreign workers present a favorable outlook for the financial health of the Social Insurance Fund,” the report emphasized.
