The funeral allowance is real financial support in a difficult moment after the loss of a loved one. It allows you to cover some or all of the costs associated with burial, which are often a heavy burden for the family.
See also: A senior receiving these two supplements could lose money. It's worth knowing the difference
This benefit is paid after the death of a person who was entitled to a pension, disability pension, was insured with ZUS or met the conditions for obtaining these benefits.
Changes in the funeral allowance in 2026
From January 1, 2026, ZUS pays a higher amount of funeral benefit. The new amount of the benefit results from the amendment to the Act on Pensions and Pensions. In this way, the legislator wanted to adjust the benefit to the real burial costs that apply in Poland.
The text continues below the video
Changes in regulations resulted in two key issues. In addition to the much higher amount, the funeral allowance is to be increased when inflation in the previous year exceeds 5%. The allowance is to be taken into account in subsequent indexation of benefits.
Who can receive a funeral allowance?
As ZUS explains, the funeral allowance in 2026 will be paid primarily to a family member. Under the regulations, a family member is considered to be:
- spouse (widow, widower, or separated spouse),
- parents, stepfather, stepmother and adoptive person,
- own children, children of the other spouse and adopted children,
- children accepted for upbringing within a foster family,
- other children accepted for upbringing and maintenance before reaching the age of majority,
- siblings,
- grandparents,
- grandchildren,
- persons over whom legal guardianship has been established.
See also: Up to PLN 1,010 in benefits from MOPS. Here's who can get it
Importantly, not only family members of the deceased are entitled to the benefitbut also the employer, social welfare home, commune, district, church, religious association or unrelated persons. The condition is that the funeral costs incurred must be documented and that the deceased meets the requirements regarding insurance or receiving benefits from ZUS.
How much is the funeral allowance 2026? We explain
Until the end of 2025, the funeral allowance amounted to PLN 4,000. The quota was in place for many years and did not keep up with inflation. From January 1, 2026, the benefit amounts to PLN 7,000. Family members receive the full amount, regardless of expenses.
Non-family members or institutions will receive reimbursement of actual costs, but no more than PLN 7,000. If the costs are covered by several people, the benefit is divided proportionally – everyone must submit a separate application.
See also: Unemployment benefits up. Who will get more?
As ZUS explains, in order to apply for a funeral benefit, it is necessary to submit a Z-12 application, as well as invoices confirming the funeral costs, identity documents and – in the event of the death of a child – appropriate medical certificates. The documents must be submitted to ZUS within 12 months of death or funeral.
The application may be submitted in person, by proxy or through a funeral home. Exceeding the deadline means losing the right to the benefit, unless the delay was due to reasons beyond the applicant's control.
