The announcement was made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Family, Labour, and Social Policy Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference in Warsaw on Tuesday.
This legislation seeks to amend the law on pensions and benefits from the Social Insurance Fund. This legislative initiative reflects a significant step toward addressing the needs of widowed citizens and ensuring they receive adequate financial support after the loss of a spouse, officials said.
The proposed bill, which originated from a coalition of over 20 organizations including the Nationwide Trade Union Agreement and the Left Party, has garnered the support of over 200,000 citizens. It intends to allow widowed individuals to retain their current pension and increase it by 50 percent of their deceased spouse's family pension, or to opt for the family pension and 50 percent of their own.
Currently, the law mandates that if individuals are eligible for multiple pension benefits, they may only receive one. Therefore, upon the death of a spouse, a widowed person can either keep their own pension or switch to their deceased spouse’s family pension.
Dziemianowicz-Bąk emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the vulnerable and fulfilling promises.
"We care for the weakest and deliver on our promises," she said, adding that the government coalition agreement includes support for older individuals following the death of a spouse.
"Adopting a positive stance on this citizen's proposal, and outlining realistic conditions for implementing this benefit, proves that we do not make empty promises," she stated.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and Family, Labour and Social Policy Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk (left). Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
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Source: IAR, PAP
