The legislature of the Republic of Poland has not tabled amendments to the amendment of the widow’s pension law, which means that the fresh law is 1 step closer to entering into force. As amended, the second benefit will be paid from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026 of 15% and from 1 January 2027 of 25%. The paper is presently waiting for the signature of the president of Poland.
80 Senators voted for the amendment of the Social Insurance Fund Pensions and Pensions Act and any another laws without amendments. No 1 objected, 1 senator abstained.
Objective of the amendment
The main intent of the amendment is to introduce a widow’s pension, i.e. a benefit enabling widowers to collect their benefits and household pension simultaneously after the deceased spouse. This is simply a crucial step towards improving the financial situation of older people who have experienced the failure of their spouse.
Details of the proposal
According to a government proposal, the second benefit will be paid from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026 of 15% and from 1 January 2027 of 25%. The government besides assumes that the widow’s pension will be paid without the consequence of reducing the sum of benefits to a limit of 3 times the lowest pension.
Statements by government representatives
During parliamentary work, Deputy Minister of the Family, Sebastian Gajewski, stressed that the intent of the bill is to improve the situation of the aged and to destruct economical degradation in the household after the death of 1 of the hosts. Gajewski pointed out that the introduction of the widow's pension is intended to support those who most request aid after losing a loved one.
Legislative context
The amendment of the Act is simply a consequence to the long-term demands of elder communities and social organisations dealing with the problems of the elderly. The introduction of a widow’s pension aims to alleviate the hard financial situation of widowed people who frequently gotta deal with the failure of a crucial part of household income.
Summary
The amendment of the Social Insurance Fund Pensions and Pensions Act and any another government on the introduction of widow’s pension is simply a key step towards improving the financial situation of widowed aged people. They will be able to number on additional financial support to improve their quality of life and mitigate the economical consequences of the failure of their spouse. Now there is waiting for the President's signature to enable these crucial legal changes to enter into force.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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The legislature decided on the widow's pension