Polish Unemployment Benefit Calculator 2026

From 1 June 2026 the benefit is PLN 1,783.90 gross per month for the first 90 days and PLN 1,400.90 gross from day 91. With at least 20 years of service you get 120%: PLN 2,140.68 and then PLN 1,681.08 gross. With PIT-2 filed, net is about PLN 1,623.35 and PLN 1,274.82 (120%: PLN 1,948.02 and about PLN 1,529.78). From 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026 the amounts were PLN 1,721.90 and PLN 1,352.20.

The benefit is paid for 180 days (about 6 months). You get 365 days if you have a disability, hold a Large Family Card, are over 50 with at least 20 years of service, or are a single parent of a child under 18. It also applies if you have a child under 18 and your spouse is also unemployed and has used up their benefit (Art. 225 of the Act on the labour market and employment services). A high unemployment rate in your district no longer extends the period.

You must register as unemployed at the district Labour Office (PUP) and have no suitable job offer. You also need at least 365 days of employment or other paid work in the 18 months before registration, earning at least the minimum wage, with Labour Fund contributions paid.

Yes. The 9% health contribution and a 12% PIT advance are deducted from the benefit; the Labour Office withholds the advance. With PIT-2 filed, the advance is reduced by PLN 300 a month, so at current amounts it is usually PLN 0 and net is about 91% of gross. Without PIT-2 the advance is about PLN 214 for the first 90 days. Pension and disability contributions are paid by the Labour Office and do not reduce the payment.

No. Since 1 June 2025 the Act on the labour market and employment services (Journal of Laws 2025, item 620) applies. Its Art. 224 sets only two rates: 100% of the benefit, and 120% with at least 20 years of service. The former 80% benefit for under 5 years of service was abolished.

You get 120% when your total qualifying periods reach at least 20 years. These include employment, self-employment and service (Art. 224(2)). From 1 June 2026 this means PLN 2,140.68 gross for the first 90 days and PLN 1,681.08 gross from day 91.

No. Taking up employment or other paid work, including a civil-law contract, ends your unemployed status and your benefit. The same applies if your income exceeds half of the minimum wage per month. You must notify the Labour Office within 7 days.

Periods of employment, service and self-employment with Labour Fund contributions count, as do other periods listed in Art. 218 of the Act. Art. 224(3)–(5) adds more, for example periods on guaranteed periodic allowance, vocational training of juvenile workers and unpaid childcare leave (within statutory limits).

While you receive the benefit, the Labour Office pays pension and disability contributions based on the benefit amount. The period therefore counts towards your insurance record. The contribution base is low, though, so the effect on your future pension is small.

No. The calculator is for information only. The decision on eligibility, amount and duration is issued by the district Labour Office based on your documents. The period may be shortened, e.g. for traineeships, training or earlier benefit. Indicative result only; check with a Labour Office adviser.