Since January 1, 2025, seniors in Poland, who meet certain conditions, will be able to apply for widow’s pensionthat will let you to receive even three pensions at the same time. This applies to those who so far could only receive 1 benefit, even though they were entitled to respective converging benefits. The article presents details of the widow's pension application, which papers seniors will request and what changes are being made to the government in 2025.
What is widow's pension?
A widow's pension is simply a peculiar benefit that aims to support people who, after the death of their spouse, are entitled to respective benefits, but could not benefit from all due to earlier provisions. So far widows and widowers in Poland, which met the conditions, could only receive one benefit (pension or pension), even if they were entitled to respective different benefits. The fresh provisions, which will enter into force from 1 January 2025, will enable them to get multiple benefits simultaneously, provided that an appropriate application is submitted to the Social Insurance Institution.
Changes in 2025 – what changes?
Date January 1, 2025 crucial changes will come into force that will enable 2 million seniors requesting additional benefits. Under the fresh rules, persons who have so far received 1 benefit will be able to apply for widow’s pension and get additional pension benefits. This will enable widows and widowers who are entitled to respective benefits to collect two or 3 benefits at the same time, which will importantly improve their financial situation.
According to ZUS data, 2 million seniors they can benefit from this change. It is estimated that in Poland the number of persons entitled to receive more than 1 benefit may increase by 10% over the next fewer years, and for many seniors this means an increase in monthly income.
Who can claim a widow's pension?
In order to benefit from a fresh benefit, a individual must meet respective key conditions. First of all, there must be:
- Widowed or widowed – the individual who lost his spouse.
- Have the right to several benefits pensions, for example after a deceased spouse and in his own name.
- Compliance with statutory conditions amount of the benefit and age.
The fresh rules let persons who are entitled to respective benefits to submit applications for grants widow’s pension and receive more than 1 benefit simultaneously, provided that they fulfil certain conditions. It is worth noting that the widow's pension is an additional benefit to another pensions, which can importantly improve the financial situation of seniors.
How do I apply for a widow's pension?
To get widow’s pension and start collecting two or 3 benefits pensions, seniors must submit appropriate application to ZUS. It is worth knowing that an application for a widow’s pension can be submitted from 1 January 2025. Applications will be accepted by ZUS in a standard way – both electronically by the portal PUE ZUSas well as personally at the ZUS facilities.
It is crucial that papers are submitted on timebecause only then will seniors have a chance to get additional benefits as early as 2025. ZUS may besides request submission documents confirming the right to benefits retired from a deceased spouse and in his own name.
Retirement of the widow and another changes in the pension system
The widow's pension is part of the wider changes in the Polish pension systemto support the elderly. In 2025, in addition to the fresh provisions on widow’s pension, another changes are besides planned to improve the financial situation of seniors. This includes:
- Valorisation of pensions – pensions and pensions in Poland will be valued in accordance with inflation, which will let to keep purchasing power of benefits.
- Increase of minimum pension – minimum pensions are expected to increase, which will improve the quality of life of older people.
- New rules for granting benefits – The government plans to make it easier to grant pensions to simplify administrative procedures.
How much can seniors gain from fresh regulations?
According to ZUS data, about 2 million seniors be entitled to apply for a widow’s pension. According to estimates, they will be able to get significant increase in benefits, reaching even several 100 PLN per month where they are entitled to 3 benefits. Within a fewer years, the number of persons to be recruited multiple benefits may increase by 10%which will have a affirmative impact on the budget of many families.
On 1 January 2025, fresh government on widow’s pensionwhich will let seniors to download two or 3 pension benefits at the same time. ZUS will accept requests from persons who meet the appropriate conditions and changes are intended to improve the financial situation 2 million seniors in Poland. It is worth applying for a widow’s pension to benefit from additional benefits.
Read more:
Retirement widow in 2025 – how to apply to receive additional benefits?
