Important changes are preparing in the Polish pension system, which can importantly improve the financial situation of thousands of people. As early as June 2025, the parliamentary committee will consider a proposal to extend the right to a supplemental allowance, presently only available to a selected group of people. This solution could mean for beneficiaries a real increase in monthly benefits even by PLN 2,610which for many people is an chance to importantly improve surviving conditions.
Current condition – add-on only available for non-self-contained parts
As of January 2025, persons who have received a social pension and are considered unfit to live independently have the right to a alleged supplement. After March valorisation, the amount of this benefit is PLN 2 610.72 A month. In combination with the social pension it gives almost 4.5 1000 PLN, i.e. an amount comparable to the minimum wage in Poland.
The problem is that this allowance does not cover another people in akin wellness difficulties who do not meet the condition of receiving a social pension. This includes:
- Pensioners who have previously received an incapacity pension,
- Current pensioners with a premium insurance placement,
- Persons who are completely unfit to work but who have not achieved the required contribution period.
Experts point to the problem of inequality and contradiction with the rule of equality
The analysis of the Sejm's Bureau of Experts showed that the current strategy creates artificial and unjustified distinctions between groups incapable to be independent. The government favours people who receive a social pension, although in practice another groups – besides with a contribution placement – experience akin or greater wellness restrictions.
Experts point out the conflict with the constitutional rule of equality before the law:
"Current regulations favour people who have never worked, and ignore those who have paid contributions for many years and are equally incapable of working," they stress.
System paradox – lower benefits for persons with contributions
For many pensioners and pensioners, this is hard to accept. People who worked a large part of their lives and paid contributions frequently receive a pension of around 1 800-2 000 PLN. After retirement, their benefits stay at a akin level, which is importantly lower than the sum of the social pension and the supplement available to others.
For younger people incapable to work, who have not achieved the required traineeship, the situation is even more dramatic – the deficiency of the right to any support leads to full dependence on social assistance or family.
What will change? Parliamentary committee decides 25 June 2025
On 25 June 2025, the parliamentary committee will consider a proposal to extend the supplement to further groups of recipients. If recommendations from the Bureau of Sejm Expert Office are accepted and the Ministry of household and Finance does not rise objections, the fresh regulations may enter into force in 2025.
It is estimated that the extension of the allowance could cover hundreds of thousands of people who have remained outside the support strategy so far.
Financial implications for the social safety system
Extending the right to a supplemental allowance, although socially justified, entails a major increase in expenditure from the Social Insurance Fund. This, in turn, would require increased subsidies from the state budget and appropriate adjustments to public finance planning.
Experts stress that despite costs, changes are essential to guarantee that the strategy is fair and consistent with constitutional principles and demographic realities.
Read more:
Are you retired? You can receive an additional PLN 2,600 all month
