ZUS Announcement: Critically important Deadline for SurvivorS Pension Recipients – Continuing education Certificates
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has issued a reminder regarding the continuation of survivor’s pensions for students and pupils over the age of 16. Maintaining eligibility for the pension requires demonstrating ongoing education, and specific deadlines apply for submitting relevant documentation.
Generally, if a student or pupil receives benefits unjustly due to a failure to maintain continuous education, those funds, along with accrued interest, will be reclaimed. Though, a specific exception exists: if a continuing education certificate covers a period exceeding one year, ZUS will continue pension payments for the certificate’s full duration without requiring annual resubmission.
Key Deadlines & Requirements for October 2024:
ZUS is emphasizing the following requirements to avoid interruption of benefits:
- Students Continuing Studies (2025/2026): Students who received a one-year study certificate and are continuing their education in the 2025/2026 academic year must submit a new certificate confirming their continued enrollment, along with an request for continued survivor’s pension payments, to ZUS.
- New University Entrants (2025/2026): High school graduates admitted to their first year of university studies in the 2025/2026 academic year (likely starting in September) who have already submitted an application for continued pension payments with their university acceptance letter, must supplement that documentation with a certificate confirming the commencement of their studies.
Critically important Notes Regarding Timing:
* September Starters: Students over 16 who began their studies in September should have already submitted a certificate of continuation of education with their pension application last month. Late submissions (by the end of October) will result in forfeiture of the September benefit, but pension payments can resume in October.
* October Starters: Students beginning their academic year in October must submit an application for continued pension payments, along with a certificate of continuing education, by October 31, 2024, to avoid suspension of benefits.
Obligation to Report Changes in Enrollment:
Any student or pupil over 16 receiving a survivor’s pension must inform ZUS instantly if they interrupt or complete their education before the date indicated on the continuing education certificate submitted to ZUS. Failure to do so will result in the requirement to repay any overpaid pension amounts, plus interest.
Legal Basis:
This facts is based on the Act of December 17,1998 on pensions and annuities from the Social Insurance Fund (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2024,item 1631,as amended).