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Polish Unemployment Benefit Calculator 2026

The Polish unemployment benefit (zasiłek dla bezrobotnych) is a monthly cash payment made by the local Labour Office (Powiatowy Urząd Pracy, PUP) to persons who have lost their job and meet the conditions set out in the Act on Employment Promotion and Labour Market Institutions. In 2026, the base benefit amount is 1491.26 PLN gross per month. The benefit level depends on the applicant's documented work record: • Work record under 5 years → 80% of base = 1193.01 PLN gross (reduced benefit) • Work record 5–20 years → 100% = 1491.26 PLN gross (standard benefit) • Work record over 20 years → 120% = 1789.51 PLN gross (increased benefit) The standard payment period is 6 months; this extends to 12 months for applicants aged 50 or over, or those living in districts with an unemployment rate above 150% of the national average. This calculator estimates the monthly gross and net benefit amount and the expected payment period. Enter your work record, age and regional unemployment level, and the calculator will deliver results instantly.

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How the unemployment benefit calculator works

The calculator computes the benefit in three steps: 1. BENEFIT LEVEL — based on work record: • Under 5 years → reduced = 80% of base (1193.01 PLN gross) • 5–20 years → standard = 100% (1491.26 PLN gross) • Over 20 years → increased = 120% (1789.51 PLN gross) 2. ESTIMATED NET — the calculator subtracts simplified tax deductions (12% PIT withholding + approx. 9% health insurance contribution). This is indicative; the exact net amount is determined by the Labour Office. 3. PAYMENT PERIOD — standard 6 months. Extended to 12 months when the applicant is aged 50 or over, or resides in a district with an elevated unemployment rate (above 150% of the national average). The calculator does not account for all individual circumstances (e.g. caring for a child under 15). Results are indicative only.

Example: 12 years' service, age 45, standard region

A person with 12 years of service (5–20 year bracket), age 45, standard region: standard benefit 1491.26 PLN gross, approximately 1210.70 PLN net, 6-month period. Person with 3 years of service (below 5 years): reduced benefit 1193.01 PLN gross, approx. 967.74 PLN net, 6 months. Person with 22 years of service, age 52: increased benefit 1789.51 PLN gross, approx. 1452.89 PLN net, 12 months (age ≥ 50).

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Polish unemployment benefit in 2026?

In 2026 the base unemployment benefit is 1491.26 PLN gross per month. Those with less than 5 years of work record receive a reduced benefit of 1193.01 PLN gross (80%), and those with over 20 years receive an increased benefit of 1789.51 PLN gross (120%). These amounts are indexed annually.

How long can you receive unemployment benefit in Poland?

The standard payment period is 6 months. It is extended to 12 months for persons aged 50 or over who have at least 20 years of work record, those living in districts where the unemployment rate exceeds 150% of the national average, and those raising at least one child under the age of 15.

What conditions must be met to receive unemployment benefit?

You must register as unemployed at the local Labour Office (PUP), be available for and capable of work, and have a qualifying work record — at least 365 days of employment within the 18 months before registration, earning at least the minimum wage.

Yes. The benefit is subject to personal income tax (PIT) at the 12% rate in the first tax bracket, and to health insurance contributions. The Labour Office deducts the withholding tax and remits contributions. The net amount received is typically around 18–19% less than the gross figure.

The reduced benefit (80% of base = 1193.01 PLN gross in 2026) applies when the applicant's total documented work record is less than 5 years. All previous periods of employment, military service and self-employment with contributions are summed.

The increased benefit (120% of base = 1789.51 PLN gross in 2026) applies when the applicant's total documented work record exceeds 20 years.

No. Taking up any paid employment — even part-time or a civil-law contract — results in loss of unemployed status and cessation of benefit payments. You must notify the Labour Office immediately upon taking up any form of paid work or other gainful activity.

Qualifying periods include employment in Poland and abroad (within the EU/EEA), periods of self-employment with contributions, military service, parental leave and other periods listed in the Employment Promotion Act.

During the benefit payment period, the Labour Office remits pension and disability insurance contributions on the basis of the benefit amount. This means the benefit period counts towards pension entitlement, though the contribution base is low, so the positive impact on the future pension is modest.

No. The calculator is for informational purposes only. The decision on eligibility, amount and duration is made by the competent Labour Office based on individual documentation. The result is indicative. The final decision rests with the Labour Office. Consult a lawyer or PUP adviser for binding information.

Indicative result only. The final decision rests with the competent Labour Office (PUP). Consult a legal adviser or Labour Office staff member. The calculator uses 2026 benefit rates and a simplified tax model. This does not constitute legal or financial advice.

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