Poles apply for a widow's pension in bulk. Up to PLN 5600 per period for seniors

Since the beginning of 2025, the Social Insurance Institution has reported more than 800 1000 applications for a fresh form of support – a widow's pension. The fresh benefit enables the combination of pension and household pension after the deceased spouse. The first withdrawals will start on July 1, 2025.

What is widow's pension? Breakdown in the benefit system

The provisions introduced at the beginning of 2025 radically change the rules on payment of benefits to widowed seniors. So far, those who lost their spouse were allowed to receive only 1 benefit: their own pension or household pension after the deceased. The choice usually fell on the higher of them.

The fresh law makes it possible to combine these benefits, although with certain limitations:

• 85% household pension + 15% of own pension, or
• 100% own pension + 15% household pension

The choice of option shall be decided by the applicant himself, following the maximisation of the benefit.

800,000 applications. Women make up the majority

The interest in the fresh solution has been immense since January 2025, erstwhile more than 309 000 applications received. In May their number reached another 50,000, and In total, it has already exceeded 800 000. According to ZUS data, 89% of applicants are women – which is consistent with the forecasts of experts, indicating that it is the seniors who most frequently experience widowhood and failure of part of household income.

When and how much? Deadlines and payment limits

Although applications are possible since January, the first payment of benefits will not take place until 1 July 2025. It is crucial that the date of submission of the application affects the minute erstwhile the right to benefit is obtained:

• Applications lodged until 31 July 2025. – entitlement to benefits from July,
• Applications lodged from 1 August 2025. – benefits from the period of submission.

The maximum amount of combined benefits has been reduced au three times the lowest pensionto PLN 5636.73 gross. This limit shall apply March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 and subject to yearly valorisation.

Example: individual receiving a gross pension of PLN 5700 will not be able to benefit from the widow’s pensionbecause it exceeds the applicable limit.

What about the future of the witnessing? Planned changes since 2027

The Act provides for gradually expanding the share of the second benefit. From January 1, 2027 This share will increase from the current 15% to 25%, which means an additional financial benefit for beneficiaries. This change is systemic and is part of a wider improvement of social support for widowed aged people.

Who can benefit? Conditions for granting the benefit

In order to be entitled to a widow’s pension, a full of respective conditions request to be met:

• Age: woman must be 60 years old, a male 65 years old,
• Duration of the relationship: until the date of death of the spouse, the property union was in force,
• Power: entitlement to household pension must be acquired after 55 years of age by a female or 60 by a man,
• No fresh Marriage – a individual cannot be married.

The amount of the benefit depends on the choice of the option and the basic amount of the pension and household pension. In case of uncertainty ZUS launched a peculiar calculator and survey verifying the qualification to provide – are available on the PUE ZUS platform.

Intended and not included additives

Certain allowances shall besides be taken into account erstwhile calculating the sum of benefits:

To be taken into account:

• care allowance,
• carbon equivalent,
• benefits paid from abroad.

Not included:

• 500 plus for non-self-contained,
• support.

Experts: The widow's pension is simply a step in the right direction, but pension improvement is just beginning

Social policy experts admit that widow's pension is simply a essential support for widowed seniors, peculiarly those who supported home finances for years, but after losing their spouse remained with limited income.

"This benefit will not solve all the problems of the pension system, but is simply a real support for 1 of the most susceptible groups in society" – evaluates Dr hab. Maria Nowacka, social safety expert.

At the same time, it is noted that increasing number of older people and low natural growth they pose serious challenges to the system. The improvement of the widow's pension can be an introduction to a wider reconstruction of the pension strategy in Poland.

How and where to apply?

An application for a widow’s pension may be submitted:

• in each ZUS facility,
• by the Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS),
• via mail.

Prior preparation of papers and consultation of the conditions is recommendedwhich will velocity up the processing process. Interest in witnessing shows that many seniors actively search ways to improve their material situation.