Introduction widow’s pension by ZUS is simply a decision that amazed many seniors, but not all will be able to benefit from this benefit. In the first weeks following the announcement of this possibility, over 15 000 applications. Despite large interest, not all application will be accepted. It is so worth knowing precisely what conditions must be met to get this benefit and what steps must be taken to avoid being rejected.
Conditions for obtaining a widow’s pension
The pension is intended to aid people who have died of a spouse in financial stability. Under the fresh rules, people who meet certain criteria can number on an additional 15% of benefits after the deceased partner, depending on which option is more favourable. There are 2 ways to pay:
- 100 percent of your benefit plus 15 percent of your deceased spouse
- 100 percent of the deceased's benefits plus 15 percent of their current benefits
From 2027 it is planned to increase the amount of the second benefit to 25 percent. However, in order to benefit from this option, the spouses had to comply with respective crucial conditions, which were defined by the Social safety Office.
What are the conditions for applicants for widow’s pension?
In order to be able to apply for a widow’s pension, persons must meet the following criteria:
- Marriage must have lasted until the death of the spouse, and at the time of his death the applicant must have at least 60 years (for women) or 65 years (for men).
- The applicant must have the right to a survivor's pension after the deceased spouse, the right being acquired before age 55 (for women) or 60 years of age (for men).
It is worth noting that if the applicant does not comply with the condition for prior household pension, no widow’s pension.
Application for widow’s pension
Before applying for a widow’s pension, you must first make certain that you have the right to family pension After a dead spouse. If you do not have that right yet, you must apply for a household pension first, and only after it has been granted can you apply for a widow’s pension. Iwona Kowalska-Matis, ZUS press secretary in Lower Silesia, noted:
“If individual does not have a household pension, he will not get a widow’s pension. Only persons who already have a right to a deceased spouse’s pension may apply for a widow’s pension.”
Additionally, to June 30, 2025 persons who have a household pension but have never applied for a pension must apply for an additional pension determining the combination of benefits with household pension and widow's pension.
Payment limit
There are besides limits to the full amount of benefits paid. According to the regulations, the full payment of the survivor's pension shall not exceed 3 times the minimum pensionin 2025 is PLN 5637.81 (after valorisation). This means that the sum of the pension and the widow’s pension benefits may not exceed that amount. In the case of a individual who collects PLN 2000 pension and PLN 2250 household pension, his full amount of the benefit will be PLN 2337.50if the option is chosen 100 percent pension plus 15% household pension.
If he decides to 15 % of your pension and 100 % of your household pensionthe benefit of which will be PLN 2550.
Forms and application procedure
ZUS makes available models of applications for widow’s pension and requests for the establishment of co-financing on both its website and the ZUS facilities. Applications may be submitted in person or via an net platform. Persons who have the right to a survivor's pension and their own benefit do not request to add additional papers to the application for a co-financing.
ZUS already informs that so far it has received over 15 000 applications, most of which were made in person, indicating a large interest in the fresh witnessing. However, it should be remembered that only persons who meet all the requirements will receive widow’s pension.
The fresh rules on widow’s pension are rather emotional, and their introduction aims to support seniors after the death of their spouse. Although many seniors have already applied, not everyone will receive this benefit. It is crucial to remember the right procedures and Requirements, specified as having a right to a household pension so as not to be rejected. ZUS informs on an ongoing basis that assistance and support in the application process are available at the institutions and online.
More here:
These people don't get a widow's pension. ZUS reveals details!
