Commissioned by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the report goes beyond a standard analysis, offering a comprehensive scientific evaluation of whether the growing idea of voluntary ZUS aligns with Poland's social insurance system.

The authors highlight a critical issue: self-employed individuals contribute significantly less to social insurance than salaried employees. Despite earning, on average, twice as much as employees, they pay half as much in contributions. In 2023, among 2.25 million entrepreneurs, only one in four employed another person.

The report warns that if voluntary ZUS were introduced, self-employed individuals would have higher incomes but face the risk of pension poverty, as many would not qualify for even the minimum pension guarantee.

"While self-employment offers many people greater financial independence, under the current system, it already results in receiving only the minimum pension. Introducing ‘voluntary ZUS’ would prevent many from even reaching this minimum," explains Tomasz Lasocki, PhD. "According to calculations by the GRAPE Institute, nearly all women and 75% of men currently in their 40s will receive only the minimum pension if no changes are made."

The report combines Lasocki’s legal expertise, focusing on regulations and legal solutions, with Petelczyc’s background in social and economic sciences, which includes pension forecasts and international comparisons. The authors ensured the report was accessible to both researchers and the general public, relying on rigorous research methodology while avoiding generalizations, and focused on key issues leading to undeniable conclusions.

The research debunks the myth of high interest in voluntary ZUS contributions, pointing out that only about 0.7% of self-employed individuals would likely opt for it, rather than the previously estimated 50%. The study also reveals that, although Poland has one of the highest percentages of self-employed individuals in the European Union, this does not translate into greater economic innovation, similar to trends observed in other countries. The report’s findings have sparked widespread public debate and are influencing discussions on the future of Poland’s social insurance system. On February 20, 2025, the document was discussed during a session of the Social Policy and Family Committee in the Polish Parliament (Sejm).

"Not only do we not need ‘voluntary ZUS,’ but we should reform the existing regulations instead," emphasizes Lasocki, PhD. "Preferential solutions should be reserved for new businesses struggling in their early stages, not for those that are already thriving and do not need relief."

The parliamentary debate on the report demonstrates how research conducted at WUT extends beyond engineering and technical sciences to influence social policy. It also highlights the relevance of WUT academics’ work to both the general public and top-level decision-making bodies.

Read the full report here