The government in August adopted a proposal under which all Poles who turn 100 would automatically receive special monthly payments regardless of their entitlement to pensions or annuities.
The upper house of parliament on Wednesday approved those plans in a 75-0 vote with no abstentions, state news agency PAP reported.
The legislation, which was earlier backed by the lower chamber of Poland's bicameral parliament, now goes to President Andrzej Duda for signing into law.
The measure aims to replace the current ad hoc mechanism established in 1972, which provides these benefits as exceptional allowances through the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), according to the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy.
The payments, set at PLN 6,246.13 (around USD 1,580) gross per month, would start on January 1, 2025.
The bill also introduces an annual adjustment to these payments starting March 1, 2025, following the same principles as those used for pension and annuity indexation, to ensure that the benefits keep pace with inflation, officials have said.
The new rules aim to ensure legal predictability and fairness for the oldest segment of the population, addressing the need for consistent financial support as they reach this significant milestone, according to the government.
Poland is home to around 6,000 centenarians, a number expected to grow as life expectancy increases, the PAP news agency reported.
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Source: IAR, PAP