“The government has reminded us to whom we owe today’s homeland – to those ladies and gentlemen who are here with me and all over Poland. It reminded us of the etymology of the Polish word for a pensioner, that is, deserving, and so pensioners as those most deserving seniors, those most deserving of Polish society,” the Prime Minister said.

14th pension to be paid annually

The government has decided that the 14th pension will be paid annually, which is guaranteed by law. The benefit will be paid automatically. This means that there is no need to apply for it. The 14th pension will not affect the receipt of other benefits, additional benefits or allowances.

This is an important support for seniors’ household budgets. We paid the 14th pension for the first time in 2021. It was to be a one-off benefit, but due to the great needs of seniors, we decided to pay it every year.

In 2022, we also introduced a solution that allowed pensioners to save even more. The 13th and 14th pensions have been exempted from personal income tax. Seniors can use the additional funds to pursue their dreams.

13th pension for everyone, regardless of income

The pensioners receive the 13th pension from 2019. Every pensioner gets this additional annual benefit, regardless of their income. In April, 9.8 million seniors were able to enjoy extra money for everyday expenses. In 2023, the 13th pension was PLN 1588.44, an increase of PLN 250 relative to 2022.

In addition, benefits will be increased by the indexation rate* but not by less than PLN 250. Additional benefits will also be increased by th indexation rate.

“Our predecessors were largely ungrateful – that was the word I heard here – ungrateful to the seniors, those who know life best, who understand best what is happening around us because they have lived through different eras in our homeland and know very well how hard it is to make ends meet,” continued the Prime Minister.

*The indexation rate for pensions in 2023 is 114.8%.

Government support for seniors

We care about every aspect of senior citizens’ lives. We are grateful to them for how much hard work they have put into building Poland. That is why we have introduced and continue to expand the programmes that support senior citizens in their autumn years. Some of the beneficial solutions for seniors include:

• Senior+ is government support for local authorities in the establishment and ongoing operation of Adult Day Care Centres and Clubs for Seniors. Between 2015 and 2022, 1,179 centres were established in Poland. We have allocated PLN 300 million to finance it. In 2022, we earmarked PLN 60 million in the budget for the programme tasks.
• Active+ is funding to support projects for seniors. As part of the programme, between 2021 and 2025, NGOs will implement projects for seniors worth a total of PLN 200 million.
• Mother 4+ is a benefit designed for people who, in order to raise at least four children, have been unable to work or have given up work. The additional parental benefit will provide the basic necessities of life.
• A tax-free pension of up to PLN 2,500 is a solution that has been in place since 1 January 2022. It brings more money for pensioners.
• Medicines 65+ is a programme through which senior citizens can benefit from free medicines. We introduced its extension as part of #NoweKonkrety.