Emerytalny

Emerytalny is a Polish adjective that translates to “retirement” or “pension” in English. It is commonly used to describe matters relating to the pension system, retirement benefits, and retirement planning. In Poland, the emerytalny system is part of the broader social security framework managed by the Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (ZUS). The system includes several types of pensions, such as old-age pensions (emerytura wieku), disability pensions (emerytura chorobowa), and survivors’ pensions (zasiłek rodzinny).

Eligibility for an old‑age pension depends on a worker’s length of contribution, age, and the amount of pensionable income. The standard pension age in Poland is currently 60 for women and 65 for men, but it has been gradually increasing to 66 for both genders by 2050. Private pension schemes (Kapitałowe Fundusze Emerytalne, KPE), known as “private pension funds” (independent) or “capped pension scheme” (Kapitałowy Plan Emerytalny), have been introduced to supplement the state pension and encourage individuals to save for retirement.

Contributions to the emerytalny system are mandatory for employees and self‑employed individuals. The contribution is split between the employee and the employer, with a portion directed to the pension fund, a portion to health insurance, and a portion for sickness and accident insurance. Pension benefits are calculated based on the total contributions and the average income of the employee during the contribution period. The Polish Ministry of Family Affairs, Labour and Social Policy oversees reforms of the emerytalny system, aiming to ensure its sustainability and adequacy in the face of demographic changes and economic fluctuations.