The March indexation of the widow's pension in 2026 may bring real profits to seniors, but only if they choose the right benefit option. ZUS data shows that the majority of eligible people choose the option that gives the greatest financial benefit after the increase.
See also: Care allowance in 2026. Entrepreneurs can also receive benefits from ZUS
What is widow's pension?
Widow's pension it is a combination of your own benefit (e.g. pension) and survivor's pension after your deceased spouse. This ZUS benefit is intended to improve the financial situation of people who have lost their life partner. In 2026, widow's pension will have a higher limit for receiving the benefit. However, these are not all the changes.
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The amount of a widow's pension depends largely on the person who is entitled to this benefit.
How much is the widow's pension?
As explained by Infor.pl, in 2026 seniors can choose one of two widow's pension options: 100%. survivor's pension and 15 percent own pension or vice versa.
“Gazeta Prawna” quotes the example of a fictitious senior citizen who earned her own pension of PLN 2,400 gross. A widow is entitled to a survivor's pension from her husband in the amount of PLN 3,600 gross. The senior has two options to choose from. In the first (100 percent pensions + 15 percent survivor's pension) will receive approximately PLN 2,940. The second one (100 percent survivor's pension + 15 percent pension) a senior woman should receive approximately PLN 3,960. After indexation in 2026, it will be even more visible.
ZUS reports that as many as 63 percent eligible people choose the option with 100 percent survivor's pension and 15 percent own pension – usually more profitable, especially if the deceased spouse had a higher benefit.
Widow's pension. Who is entitled to ZUS benefits?
The March indexation of the widow's pension in 2026 will amount to 4.88%. As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, this means an average increase in widow's pension ranging from PLN 80 to PLN 155 per month. Additionally, the benefit limit will be increased – from the current PLN 5,636 to approximately PLN 5,911 gross.
See also: Sickness benefit in 2026. Everything you need to know about the amount and deadlines
Importantly, from 2027, the share of the second benefit will increase to 25%, which will improve the financial situation of many people. As “Gazeta Prawna” notes, the change in the share of the second benefit will take place ex officio, without the need to submit a new application. This means that people who are already receiving widow's pension can count on another increase next year.
Who is entitled to widow's pension? Women over 60 and men over 65 who remained married until their partner's death and did not enter into a new marriage are entitled to ZUS benefits. The right to a survivor's pension is also necessary.
