Poland updates pension benefits and social security payments

Poland is implementing several updates to social security and pension benefits. The widow's pension program, which allows individuals to combine their own pension with a portion of a deceased spouse's family pension, has already reached over one million beneficiaries. Currently, recipients receive 15% of the second benefit, but this is scheduled to increase to 25% starting January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the funeral grant has increased to 7,000 PLN as of January 1, 2026, up from 4,000 PLN. This benefit includes a new indexation mechanism if inflation exceeds 5%.

Regarding annual bonuses, the 14th pension is projected for September 2026, with a maximum gross amount of 1,978.49 PLN. This payment is subject to a income threshold of 2,900 PLN gross, above which the amount is reduced using a 'zloty for zloty' rule. Furthermore, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy is working on a mechanism to increase benefits for approximately 196,500 retirees who were negatively affected by previous pension calculation methods, with potential increases of over 550 PLN per month starting in 2027.