Widow’s Pension Hike: Rate to Rise from 15% to 25% in 2027

Nearly a million people in Poland receive the widow’s pension, which allows combining one’s own retirement benefit with a survivor’s pension, with the additional rate set to increase from 15% to 25% starting January 1, 2027.

Current Rules and Upcoming Increase

The widow’s pension has been active since July 2025, currently allowing eligible individuals to receive one full benefit and 15% of a second benefit. Starting January 1, 2027, the share of the second benefit will increase from 15% to 25%, providing even greater financial support for widows and widowers.

Beneficiary Statistics and Payout Volumes

In June 2026, widow’s pension benefits were drawn by 993,400 people, with approximately 1.1 million individuals receiving at least one payment since the program began. The total amount of benefits paid out from January to June 2026 exceeded PLN 22.8 billion, of which PLN 1.93 billion came from the additional amounts resulting from the 15% payout of the second benefit.

Average Amounts and Payout Limits

The average payout for the widow’s pension in June was PLN 3,949.43, with the average additional amount from the 15% second benefit standing at PLN 379.10. Regulations set a maximum limit on benefits paid in conjunction with a survivor’s pension, stating that the total sum cannot exceed three times the lowest pension, which currently equals PLN 5,935.47 gross.

Eligibility Verification Tools

Individuals interested in the widow’s pension can use tools available on the ZUS website, including a survey and a calculator to help determine eligibility and estimate future payout amounts.