ZUS funeral allowance raised to 7,000 PLN

24 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

From Jan 1 2026 ZUS will raise the funeral allowance to 7,000 PLN. Learn who can claim the funeral allowance Poland and how to apply.

The state Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will pay a higher death benefit from 1 January 2026. The new funeral allowance Poland now equals 7,000 PLN, and the change affects people who actually paid for a funeral.

Consequently, many families and helpers should review their options. Moreover, the increase aims to reflect real burial costs.

Table of Contents

What changed and why it matters

From 2026 ZUS raised the funeral allowance to 7,000 PLN. Previously the benefit stayed at 4,000 PLN for many years. Therefore the government hopes to ease the burden of rising funeral costs. In addition, lawmakers included a mechanism to adjust the allowance for inflation. Consequently, the amount may rise later if prices increase significantly.

However, ZUS does not pay this money automatically. You must cover funeral costs first. Then you file a claim and give receipts. Also note that ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution) administers the payment, not NFZ (the National Health Fund).

Who can claim the funeral allowance Poland

The benefit depends on who actually paid for the burial. If a family member paid, ZUS pays the full 7,000 PLN. For example, a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild may receive the full amount. Moreover, the law lists other relatives and designated persons who qualify as family.

In contrast, if a friend or neighbor paid for the funeral, ZUS will reimburse documented costs only. Consequently such a person can get back what they proved they spent. For instance, if expenses total 4,500 PLN, ZUS will not pay the full 7,000 PLN. Instead it will match the actual invoices up to the legal cap.

Furthermore, employers, local authorities, care homes or church bodies can claim the allowance. Therefore institutions that covered burial costs should keep invoices.

How to apply, deadlines and documents

First, compile original invoices and receipts. These may include a funeral home bill, a coffin or urn invoice, cremation fees, transport and grave costs. Then file a formal application with ZUS. You can submit it personally or ask the funeral home to act on your behalf. In addition, do not expect money before the burial. ZUS reimburses costs after you prove them.

Be aware of the 12-month deadline. You usually must apply within 12 months of death. Moreover, ZUS gives 14 days to pay after it knows the final fact required to grant the benefit. Therefore file complete documentation early. Also remember the new 7,000 PLN level applies only when death occurred on or after 1 January 2026. Consequently deaths in 2025 follow the old rules.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, keep original bills and a copy of the deceased person’s PESEL (national ID number) or passport. ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) handles this benefit, not NFZ (National Health Fund). Therefore get help from a bilingual funeral home or a notary when needed. Also translate invoices if officials ask for them, and meet the 12-month deadline to avoid losing the right to reimbursement.

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