“Pension+” is a financial benefit in the amount of the lowest pension, which amounts to PLN 1100 gross from1 March 2019. The main objective of the programme, which constitutes a part of the long-term policy of supporting the elderly, was to reduce the income disparities among citizens. Older people, who are often lonely, are at the highest risk of poverty and social exclusion.

- As a result of demographic change and the ageing of the population, that group is growing each year. It's a great challenge for all of us. Our policy towards senior citizens must aim to improve the living conditions for the elderly; that is one of our priorities, and the “Pension+” programme is an important part of that mission,” says Bożena Borys-Szopa, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy.

This year, the benefit was issued to a total of 9.8 million people. It covered pensions in the general system, pensions of farmers, uniformed services, bridging pensions, pre-retirement benefits and allowances, social pensions, teacher's compensatory benefits, as well as pensions for war and military invalids' pensions. The thirteenth pension was also granted to persons receiving a supplementary parental benefit, the so-called maternity pension.

- We would like to see “Pension+” become a permanent part of the support system for the elderly and to be issued each year as the so-called thirteenth pension. Such additional funds will allow the pensioners to, for instance, renovate their apartments, take holidays or pay overdue bills. We engage in dialogue with Polish citizens and we know that such support is very valuable - says the head of the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Policy.

The fact that “Pension+” was needed and is well received by the society is confirmed, among others, by research conducted by the Public Opinion Research Center. In March this year, Poles were asked about their assessment of the so-called New Five introduced by the Law and Justice party, and although all the announced solutions met with positive reactions, “Pension+” was supported by 84% of all respondents.

- This is the best result of all the measures announced under the New Five, which shows that support for the elderly is a key concern for all of us. Restoring the retirement age, gradual increase of the minimum benefits for seniors, and a number of programmes supporting active life - all of that contributes to creating a truly elderly-friendly state - says Minister Bożena Borys-Szopa.