krus

Kasa Rolniczego Ubezpieczenia Społecznego (KRUS) is a Polish government institution responsible for the social insurance of the rural population. It operates within Poland’s system of social security and functions alongside ZUS, the general social insurance agency. KRUS is dedicated to providing protections and benefits to farmers, their family members, and others involved in agricultural activity.

KRUS administers mandatory social insurance for insured persons, including old-age and disability pensions, survivor's pensions, sickness and maternity benefits, and benefits related to accidents at work or occupational disease. It also covers rehabilitation services and related allowances as defined by law. Benefits are paid from contributions collected by KRUS and, where applicable, state subsidies or other funding mechanisms established by public policy.

Coverage is provided to individuals who own, co-own, or manage a farm and to eligible members of their households who live on the farm. The precise eligibility and contribution rules are defined by statute and administered through local KRUS offices, which operate at regional (voivodeship) and local levels.

Administration and governance of KRUS are organized to administer benefits, collect contributions, and oversee compliance with agricultural social insurance regulations. The agency maintains regional branches to serve rural communities and coordinates with national authorities on policy and reform matters related to farmers’ social protection.

KRUS remains a distinct component of Poland’s social security system, separate from ZUS, with ongoing debates about reforms and alignment within the broader framework of social insurance in Poland.