The Future of Widows’ Pensions in 2028: One Condition for the 50 Percent Increase

Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced that the Left plans to raise the widows’ pension to 50 percent for all eligible recipients by 2028, provided they remain in government.

Planned adjustments to pension policy

Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty revealed plans regarding the future of the widows’ pension. A formal evaluation and implementation of the new policy are scheduled for 2028, aiming to cover all widows and widowers.

Czarzasty stated that the Left intends to ensure the benefit reaches 50 percent of the second pension, on top of the 100 percent of the individual’s own benefit. He emphasized that this will expand coverage to all eligible persons, addressing current limitations.

Current benefit structure and eligibility

Since July 2025, the widow’s pension has been paid at 15 percent of the second benefit, in addition to the recipient’s full own benefit. This figure is slated to rise to 25 percent in January 2027.

To qualify for the pension, applicants must meet specific criteria: reaching the age of 60 for women or 65 for men, having been in a marital community at the time of the spouse’s death, not being currently married, and acquiring the right to a family pension after age 55 for women or 60 for men.