From 1 March, there will be a record-breaking indexation of old age and disability pensions, by the rate of 114.8% and with a guarantee that old age pensions will increase by at least PLN 250. The minimum old age pension will be PLN 1,588.44. By the end of this year, old age pensioners will receive about PLN 2,300 net more – said the Minister of Family and Social Policy.

This year, the 13^th and 14^th pensions will be paid again and they will be indexed as well, as Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said, thanking seniors for their contribution to building the Homeland.

Reliability is of key importance in pursuing our policy. In 2015, the senior policy was very poor, the lowest net old age pension was PLN 760 – we are raising these benefits. There has never been such an increase in old age pensions in the history of the Third Republic of Poland – stressed the Prime Minister.

Higher benefits from tomorrow

As early as on 1 March, old age and disability pensioners will receive higher benefits. The minimum benefits will be higher by PLN 250 gross (PLN 227.50 net). This means an increase in the minimum benefits by 18.7% when compared to the previous year. The high indexation means a safety cushion for seniors – said the Minister.

Minister Maląg added that the government would allocate PLN 70 billion from the state budget for the 13^th and 14^th pension and the indexation, amounting this year to 114.8%. In 2015, the total cost of the support amounted to only PLN 3.6 billion. So now it is twenty times more. This is accompanied by amendments to taxes such as PIT-0 for seniors and the increased tax-free amount.

We care about activity and health

Minister Marlena Maląg also reminded other programmes addressed to elderly people.

We care about the activity of seniors. When we took over the rule in Poland, there were only 84 homes and clubs for seniors. Today, there are nearly 1,200 of them – said the Minister.

In addition to the Senior+ programme, there is also a government programme implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy – Active Plus and the Support the Senior programme.

The Deputy Minister of Education Marzena Machałek stressed the importance of supporting seniors, supporting every human and fighting for dignity. She also reminded that in Lower Silesia more than 80 homes and clubs for senior had been established in recent years. Moreover, places of intergenerational integration are created.