A Polish ZUS pension while living in the USA
How to sort out a Polish pension from the USA: online access, the social security agreement, the application, taxes and Medicare.
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Step 1
Access to Polish e-government from abroad
Polish e-Services from Abroad: Trusted Profile, mObywatel, e-Delivery, e-PIT, eZUS, and IKP – A Guide to Official Sources (2026)
A comprehensive guide to Polish e-administration for the diaspora: how to obtain PESEL and a trusted profile from abroad, e-Delivery changes effective January 1, 2026, e-Tax Office and your e-PIT without a trusted profile, eZUS, IKP, and cross-border e-prescriptions, EKUZ, e-consulate, and passport, open registers (KRS, land and mortgage registers), and a cheat sheet: what you need for which service.
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Step 2
The Poland–USA agreement and taxes
Pension from Poland and the USA: Social Security Agreement and Taxes
How the agreement between Poland and the USA (since March 1, 2009) allows for the combination of work periods, where to apply for a pension from ZUS and SSA, how payments are made abroad, and how Social Security is taxed in Poland (in both countries, with a deduction for tax paid in the USA).
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Step 3
Applying for a ZUS pension
ZUS from Abroad: How to Apply for Retirement While Living Abroad
When ZUS grants a pension to a person living abroad (without a minimum contribution period for those born after 1948), where to submit an application in the EU, the USA, and in countries without an agreement, forms EMP, PL/USA 4, and EZZ, payment to an account abroad, and form EMRG.
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Step 4
Pensions from both countries and Social Security
Retirement from the USA and Poland: Repeal of WEP, Adjustments from Social Security, and ZUS Pension Abroad (2026)
The Social Security Fairness Act repealed WEP and GPO – ZUS pension no longer reduces American benefits. Who is entitled to adjustments and why you need to apply NOW, how to combine ZUS and Social Security periods, transferring pensions to the USA, proof of life, and taxes on both sides.
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Step 5
Medicare
Medicare for Immigrants from Poland – Eligibility, Free or Paid Part A, 40 Quarters, USA–Poland Agreement, and ZUS Pension (2026)
Eligibility for Medicare for Polish immigrants includes 5 years of residency with a Green Card, free Part A with 40 quarters from self or spouse, costs for Part A and B in 2026, limitations of the USA–Poland agreement, ZUS pension implications, treatment in Poland, Medicaid, and free SHIP assistance with an interactive flowchart.