The payments, set at PLN 6,246.13 (around USD 1,580) gross per month, will start on January 1, 2025.
This new legislation, drawn up by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy and approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, aims to replace the current ad hoc mechanism established in 1972, which provides these benefits as exceptional allowances through the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
Under the proposed bill, all Polish nationals who reach the age of 100 will automatically receive this payment, regardless of their entitlement to pensions or annuities.
Currently, around 6,000 centenarians benefit from this program, a number expected to grow due to increasing life expectancy.
The bill also introduces an annual adjustment to these payments starting March 1, 2025, following the same principles used for pension and annuity indexation, to ensure that the benefits keep pace with inflation.
The reform formalizes a longstanding tradition and ensures legal predictability and fairness for the oldest segment of the population, addressing the need for consistent financial support as they reach this significant milestone.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP