Poland is entering a fresh era of elder policy. In 2025, the government plans to introduce comprehensive changes to the pension system, which will importantly increase support for the elderly. Thanks to additional backing in the form of thirteenth and fourteenth pensions elder citizens can number on additional PLN 3769 per year. These changes will not only improve the financial situation of pensioners but will besides affect the improvement of so-called. silver economyfocused on the needs of the 60+ generation.
Minimum pension will increase in 2025
With the reform, minimum pension in Poland will be increased by valorisation at 5.82%. That means seniors with the lowest benefits will receive PLN 1884,61 gross A month. This change responds to the rising cost of living, which has hit the oldest social group peculiarly hard in fresh years.
Higher pensions are not only higher monthly income but besides additional support in the form of yearly benefits specified as:
- Thirteenth Pension paid in April.
- Fourteenth Pensionwhich goes into retirement accounts in the fall.
What's the distribution?
The planned benefits were spread out to support seniors in 2 key moments of the year:
- Thirteenth Pension: Paid in April, is the equivalent of a minimum pension, i.e. PLN 1884,61 gross. This appropriation is intended to cover the preparation for the spring-summer season, including expenditure on recreation, treatment or improvement of quality of life.
- Fourteenth Pension: Paid in the second half of the year. In 2025 it will be paid in September, which will let seniors to cover larger expenses related to the autumn-winter period.
Look out! The 14th pension is not for everyone. A profit threshold of PLN 4734.61 gross. Persons whose monthly benefit exceeds that amount shall not receive an additional 14th payment.
Who gets the most?
The improvement is most supportive of those with the lowest pensions. According to the data of the Ministry of household and Social Policy, in 2024 the minimum pension received about 265 000 people, and this number grows all year. They are the most susceptible pension poverty, therefore, additional benefits are crucial to improving their material situation.
Example:
- Senior receiving minimum pension PLN (1884.61 gross per month) gains additional per year PLN 3769.22 thanks to the 13th and 14th pensions.
- Retirement with higher income but below the threshold PLN 4734.61will besides benefit from both benefits.
Economic impact
Additional funds allocated to pensioners are besides an impulse for the Polish economy. Experts stress that higher incomes for seniors are conducive to the improvement of the silver economy – sectors related to products and services for older people, specified as:
- Medical and rehabilitation services.
- Tourism and recreation for seniors.
- Health products and dietary supplements.
According to the Central Statistical Office, the number of people over 65 years of age in Poland is already over 7 million, which is about 19% of the country population. Forecasts indicate that by 2050 this figure will increase to over 11 millionwhich makes investment in the silver economy a necessity.
What about elder policy?
The fresh support programme is only the beginning of changes in the pension system. The Ministry announces further actions to improve the quality of life of older people, including:
- Introduction health vouchers for rehabilitation and medication.
- The improvement of a strategy of elder homes and apartments adapted to the needs of the elderly.
- Facilitate access to social and professional activation programmes for pensioners.
Introduction of additional benefits for pensioners nearly PLN 3800 per year is simply a step towards improving the quality of life of older Poles. This programme not only supports those with the lowest incomes, but besides has the chance to contribute to the improvement of an economy based on the needs of seniors.
Continued here:
Additional benefits for pensioners: Seniors will receive up to PLN 3800 per year
