New benefits from the Social Insurance Institution, alleged widow’s pension, caused large interest of Poles. By mid-June 2025, ZUS received 916 000 applications, which is about 88% of all home applications. In total, in the full pension strategy (ZUS, KRUS, MSWIA), the number of applications submitted exceeded million. Nevertheless, not everyone can number on the payment – it is already known that some applicants will be met with a negative decision.
The widow’s pension: who is entitled?
The widow’s pensionthe payment of which will begin in July 2025, is simply a form of financial support for those who have lost their spouse and meet certain conditions. Allows behaviour 100 percent of your benefits and receiving 15 % of the pension after the deceased spouse – or vice versa, depending on the more favourable configuration. The maximum combined benefit limit is PLN 5,636.73 gross per month, which is three times the lowest pension.
To receive money, you must fulfill specific criteria:
- Women must be 60 years old, men 65 years old
- Marriage must proceed until the death of the spouse
- You must be entitled to a survivor’s pension no earlier than 5 years before reaching the retirement age
- Own right to pension
- You can't remarry after your spouse's death
- Total benefits may not exceed the fixed limit
Breaking even 1 of these points results rejection or simplification of the benefit.
Hundreds of thousands of applications, thousands of problems
According to ZUS data, to June 16, 2025 has already been considered most incoming documents – even any branches were processed 99 % of applications. Decisions are generated automatically by means of data verification algorithmsand the mailing is due to end by the end of July.
According to estimates, 75 percent. the applications examined will be acceptedbut:
- 20% of papers contain formal deficiencies, most frequently lack of data on the second benefit
- 10% of applicants do not meet statutory criteria
That means that even all 4th individual may not receive a benefit Or she'll gotta supplement it.
Why do women dominate applicants?
According to ZUS data, 90% of the applications submitted in this case come from women. This is the consequence of respective factors: women live on average 7 years longer than menSo they become widows more often. Additionally, by lower wages and more frequent career breaks (related to kid rearing), their pensions are lower – and thus the widow’s pension can supply crucial budget support.
Expensive benefits but needed
According to the analysis, payment of widow’s pension in 2025 will consume about PLN 3.2 billionand in the following year – until PLN 8 billionwhere the benefit covers the full calendar year. It's a large burden for the system, but besides a step towards Social justice To single seniors who have not yet been able to combine benefits from their deceased partner.
Incomplete conclusions? ZUS can call for completion
In case of formal deficiencies – e.g. failure to supply a paper confirming the amount of the second benefit – ZUS has the right call for data addition. Persons who do not do so within the time limit may lose their right to benefit or receive a refusal decision.
Conclusions? Mistakes and deficiencies may cost you a living
The widow's pension is simply a solution expected by hundreds of thousands of Poles. However, compliance with strict formal requirements That's the absolute basis. ZUS has already shown that does not intend to overlook irregularitiesand an algorithm-based strategy verifies data without emotion.
Those who have not yet applied have the time to do so June 30, 2025 – if they want to receive a compensation benefit from July. It is worth doing this with due care to avoid problems and increase the chances of a affirmative decision.
Read more:
ZUS issues decisions on widow’s pension. Many people do not meet the conditions and will not get the money
