Poland debates higher retirement age for childless women

The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, led by Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz, suggested that women without children should retire at 65, the same age as men, while mothers could keep the current 60‑year threshold. A survey commissioned by Wprost found that 56.3 % of respondents reject the idea, 24.8 % support it and 18.9 % are undecided.

In parallel, a petition (BKSP‑155‑X‑714/25) submitted to the Sejm proposes equalising the retirement age for both sexes at 62, with a gradual transition and special provisions for certain professions. The government, represented by Zbigniew Wasiak of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, stated there is currently no basis to start legislative work on the change.

Other pension‑related issues are also in focus: the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) does not automatically adjust pensions in many cases, requiring seniors to file a request for recalculation; a new tax relief (PIT‑0) is prompting 178 000 seniors to stay employed and forego the 13th and 14th pension payments; and experts warn that early withdrawal from Employee Capital Plans (PPK) reduces long‑term retirement savings.