ZUS raises widow’s pension share to 25% from Jan 2027

30 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

ZUS will raise the widow’s pension second-share from 15% to 25% from Jan 1, 2027, boosting many seniors’ monthly incomes and affecting nearly 1 million beneficiaries.

From January 1, 2027, ZUS will increase the secondary share for the widow’s pension from 15 percent to 25 percent. Consequently, many seniors may see hundreds of złoty more each month.

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What the widow’s pension change means

The change affects how beneficiaries combine two pensions. Currently, people may take 100 percent of one benefit and 15 percent of the other. However, from January, the second share will rise to 25 percent. Therefore, the final monthly amount can increase substantially for many retirees.

How the calculation works and a concrete example

ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution) lets a surviving spouse combine their own pension with the family pension. For clarity, ZUS administers pensions and social payments in Poland. Suppose a widow gets 3,000 zł from her own pension and qualifies for a 2,500 zł family pension. Currently, 15 percent of 2,500 zł equals 375 zł. Consequently, she would receive 3,375 zł total before limits. In 2027, 25 percent of 2,500 zł equals 625 zł. Therefore, her total would become 3,625 zł. In addition, that 250 zł gap equals 3,000 zł over a year.

Scale, limits and eligibility

Almost one million people already claim this combined benefit. Moreover, ZUS reported about 993,400 beneficiaries in June 2026. However, not everyone qualifies. ZUS sets four main conditions. First, a woman must be at least 60 and a man 65 years old. Second, the couple must have remained married until the death day. Third, you must acquire the family pension after age 55 for women or 60 for men. In addition, you must not have remarried. Also, ZUS caps combined payments. Currently, the sum cannot exceed three times the lowest pension. Consequently, that cap reduces some high totals. Therefore, your final payment will depend on your individual case and the minimum pension level in 2027.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, register with ZUS and keep your PESEL (national ID number) ready. In addition, bring marriage and death certificates and your bank details when you apply. Moreover, ZUS offices often require original documents or certified translations. Therefore, check eligibility early and use ZUS online account tools. Also, note that ZUS differs from NFZ, which manages health care, while ZUS handles pensions and social insurance.

Act now if you might benefit. Consequently, check your ZUS statement or contact a local branch. Moreover, applicants can use online calculators to estimate gains. However, for complex cases, consult a certified advisor. Therefore, expats with Polish pension rights should plan for this change.

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