According to Eurostat data, the percentage of elderly people in the European Union countries is constantly growing. Poland is no exception here. In the years 2010-2020, there was an increase in the percentage of people aged more than 65 by 4.6 percentage points in Poland. In 2020, seniors accounted for 18.2% of the population.

– Intergenerational solidarity – this is what we should base our social policy on. We need specific solutions to respond to the most urgent needs of elderly people – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy, Marlena Maląg. – That is why the United Right government consistently pursues a comprehensive senior policy aimed at both ensuring the financial security of elderly people and supporting their broadly understood activity.

A tax-free pension is a real benefit

The issue of financial security of seniors is the major objective of the Tax-Free Pension, a solution forming part of the tax reform announced in the Polish Order. The draft act has already been referred to the Sejm. Thanks to the tax exemption for old age and disability pensioners receiving a benefit of up to PLN 2,500 gross, as many as 65% of seniors will not pay tax at all, and every year even PLN 2,250 more will be left in their pockets.

The solution is also beneficial for persons receiving higher benefits, because they will pay tax only on the amount exceeding PLN 2,500 gross.

More than 8 million people will benefit from the new regulations. In combination with already functioning solutions such as the indexation of benefits, thirteenth and fourteenth pension (which will be paid at the end of this year) or the “Mother 4+” programme, this is a real financial support for elderly people.

– The tax-free pension means more money left in the pockets of eight million old age and disability pensioners in Poland. This is a real support being a response to the everyday problems of seniors, as well as a manifestation of tax fair-play – stresses Minister Marlena Maląg.

Active senior

Very important is also the activation of seniors. Hence the government’s financial support for the “Senior+” and “Active+” programmes, for which PLN 100 million has been allocated in 2021. In total, in the years 2021-2025 it will be PLN 500 million.

The implementation of the new tax act, the element of which is the Tax-free pension, has been scheduled for 1 January 2022.