Eligible widows and widowers in Poland will receive enhanced benefits starting January 2027 as the second pension component rises to 25 percent.
Changes to Widow’s Pension in 2027
From January 1, 2027, widow’s pensions will become more favorable than during the initial implementation period. Eligible survivors may receive 100 percent of one benefit combined with 25 percent of a second benefit, or 100 percent of their own benefit combined with 25 percent of the survivor’s pension.
This marks an increase from the 15 percent rate applied through 2026. The exact amount is not a fixed sum for everyone, as it depends on the individual’s own pension and the survivor’s pension of the deceased spouse.
Legal Limits and Payment Caps
The widow’s pension is subject to a statutory limit, meaning the combined total cannot exceed three times the lowest pension. If the sum of the combined benefits is higher, the payment is reduced by the excess amount.
As of March 2026, the limit is based on a minimum pension of 1,978.49 PLN gross, resulting in a three-fold limit of 5,935.47 PLN gross. This threshold will be updated following the next indexation in March 2027.
Strict Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, individuals must have a right to a survivor’s pension and their own benefit, such as a retirement or disability pension. They must have reached the statutory retirement age of 60 for women and 65 for men, remained married until the spouse’s death, and not be currently in a new marriage.
A critical condition is that the right to a survivor’s pension must be acquired no earlier than age 55 for women and 60 for men. Failure to meet these specific age-related timing requirements may exclude individuals from the new benefits.
Application Procedures and Timing
Applicants must submit a request for combined benefits, such as using the ERWD form at ZUS. If benefits are paid by different institutions like ZUS and KRUS, the application can be filed with either one, which will then coordinate with the relevant authorities.
While payments are effective from July 1, 2025, late applications will only trigger benefits starting from the month the application is filed. Survivors are encouraged to complete formalities promptly to avoid delays in receiving payments.
