How Even One Month of Official Work in Poland Can Secure a Pension for Ukrainians

Pension Eligibility for Ukrainians in Poland

According to ХВИЛЯ: Under a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Poland, Ukrainian citizens who have been officially employed in Poland for a minimum of one month are entitled to apply for a Polish pension. The amount of this pension is calculated based solely on the period worked within Poland and can be very small. As Roman Dudyak notes,

"formally, they can even receive some minimal quota of an assigned pension for that single month."

Information confirms that the Polish pension is paid only for the years a person actually worked in Poland. The minimum national pension in Poland is 1,700 złoty. However, Roman Dudyak clarifies a common misconception:

"Some people think that if you worked in Poland for one month, you get the same pension as Poles, meaning that minimum of 1,700 złoty. That is not the case. It will usually be 1 złoty, 2 złoty, sometimes 50 groszy."

Health Insurance and the Critical Need for Official Employment

Furthermore, even a minimal Polish pension grants the right to health insurance coverage in Poland. Polish pensioners, including Ukrainians, also receive an annual 13th pension payment of approximately 1,700 złoty net. It is crucial to emphasize that unofficial or 'under-the-table' work in Poland does not count toward pension eligibility. As Roman Dudyak stresses,

"if you work unofficially, you have no right to a pension."

For Ukrainians, understanding these conditions is key to securing future benefits.

This knowledge is vital for Ukrainians currently working or planning to work in Poland, as it can significantly impact their long-term financial planning. Given the potentially minimal payouts, Ukrainians must prioritize securing official employment to safeguard their rights to pension benefits and health insurance. This system highlights the importance of formal labor contracts within the European Union's framework.

In light of the complexities surrounding pension claims, it's essential for Ukrainians to be aware of the potential challenges they may face. Delays in processing these claims can significantly affect financial security. To better understand the hurdles in obtaining pension benefits, you can read more about the ongoing issues with years-long delays in Ukrainian pension claims in Poland.