It’s not just widows who will get the widow’s pension. Who else can count on a higher benefit in 2025? 2 million Poles could apply. Check if you do too.

Widow’s pension will improve the financial situation of the elderly

Although the pension system has for years provided a benefit similar to: widow’s pensionHowever, any survivors’ pension widower People have been eagerly awaiting the introduction of new regulations that would improve their financial situation for several months. Despite much talk about it, the principles on which the benefit would be granted were not certain. However, now that the regulations have been adopted and the President has signed the law, we are already sure who and what can count on.

The regulations will apply retroactively to nearly 2 million seniors.

Although it is already around January 2025 2 million people He will be able to apply for the deceased spouse’s benefit, and payments will only start in July 2025. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, this time is necessary to adapt the systems and operating procedures of the pension and disability pension authorities. In fact, you will have to wait a long time to receive the benefit. Of course, a long time from the point of view of people whose quality of life is supposed to improve and who already have problems supporting themselves. But the good news is that the regulations do this somewhat It will work backwards.People who became widows before the new regulations came into effect will also be able to apply for a widow’s pension.

Death of the spouse no later than five years before reaching retirement age

Who will be entitled to the new benefit? Of course, not only widows, but widowers as well. And whoever is entitled to it is entitled to it. husband He died No later than five years before they reach general retirement age.This means that the pension will be granted to:

• Widows aged 55 years or older,
• Widowers age 60 or later.

The pension system covering spouses (ZUS, KRUS) will not have any significance for the right to receive the benefit. However, it should be remembered that if a widower or widower receiving a pension enters into a new marriage, the payment of the benefit will stop the day before the conclusion of this marriage. Unfortunately, the benefit is provided for in the rolling form. This means that eligible persons will not receive it immediately in the amount declared during the work on the project, its amount will gradually increase. By the end of 2026, the amount of the widow’s pension will be 15%. of the benefit after the deceased spouse, and from 2027 it will increase to 25%. of the amount of the deceased spouse’s pension.