Amendments to Poland’s widows’ pension scheme in 2026 and 2027 will impact approximately 87,000 recipients in the Lower Silesia region.
Widows’ Pension in 2026 and 2027: Key Changes for Seniors
Individuals who have lost a spouse may be eligible for a widows’ pension, combining their own retirement benefits with a portion of the deceased spouse’s entitlement. This article details the benefit amounts following the upcoming changes.
What Changes in 2026?
In the Lower Silesia region, around 87,000 people receive a widows’ pension, placing the province fourth in Poland for the number of such payments. According to Iwona Kowalska-Matis, a spokesperson for ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) in Lower Silesia, the largest group of applicants, both men and women, are aged between 81 and 90.
Indexation and Benefit Limits
Indexation is a mechanism that annually adjusts benefit amounts to account for inflation and wage growth. In March 2026, the indexation rate was 5.3 percent. This adjustment applies to the limits determining eligibility for the widows’ pension, with the maximum benefit amount set at 5,935.47 złoty gross from March.
Eligibility for Widows’ Pension
ZUS states that several conditions must be met to qualify for a widows’ pension. The right to benefits ceases on the day before entering a new marriage.
Higher Widows’ Pension in 2027
The amount of the widows’ pension will change in 2027. Legislation enacted on January 1, 2025, guarantees financial assistance to retirees who have lost their spouses.
Combining Benefits
The law allows for the combination of a family pension with other retirement or disability benefits. Between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026, this combination is possible at 15 percent of the benefit amount, increasing to 25 percent from January 1, 2027. This could mean an additional 400 złoty per month for some seniors, with the government indicating potential for further increases in subsequent years.
Widows’ Pension Calculations
The daily “Fakt” newspaper has prepared example calculations.
ZUS Tools and Application Process
ZUS has provided a special questionnaire and calculator on its website to quickly determine eligibility. The pension is paid from the month the application is submitted.
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