Good news for seniors. More and more benefits and benefits for those over 65.

Seniors today can benefit from an increasingly wide range of benefits and allowances. Over the years, solutions have been introduced to improve their financial and health situation. Some are automatically available, while others require the submission of appropriate documentation. It's worth knowing about them, as they can significantly reduce the burden on household budgets.

For many people, reaching retirement age (60 for women and 65 for men) doesn't just mean the end of their careers. It's also a time when they can take advantage of various forms of support from the state and local governments.

Some of these benefits go to all eligible individuals, regardless of income or health status, but there are also benefits depending on life, health, or family circumstances.

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For many seniors, one of the most significant benefits is free medication . People over 65 are eligible for these medications, provided they are on the list of reimbursed medications marked with the letter "S."

How can you exercise this right? Your doctor must issue a prescription with the appropriate label. In practice, this means that presenting it at the pharmacy can save you up to several hundred złoty per month .

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There are more amenities. Depending on the city, seniors can count on free public transport or significant discounts on tickets . In many large metropolitan areas, these benefits are available after reaching a certain age. All that's needed is an ID card or a senior ID.

For example:

• In Krakow, people over 70 can use public transport for free
• In Warsaw, retirees and pensioners up to the age of 70 are eligible for a 50% discount upon presentation of appropriate documentation. Those over 70 are eligible for free travel.
• In Lublin, people over 65 years of age can count on free public transport.

We should also not forget about numerous discounts on participation in cultural events.

Seniors can also count on additional money, the so-called thirteenth and fourteenth pensions. Both are paid once a year and provide a significant boost to their wallets.

The "Thirteenth Pension" is available to all eligible retirees and pensioners. It is paid automatically, without submitting an application. In 2025, its amount is PLN 1,878.91 gross . It is paid in the spring.

SEE: September Surprise for Seniors: An Additional Transfer from ZUS

The "Fourteenth" benefit depends on income, but there's no need to submit an application. The full amount (PLN 2,650 gross) will be paid to those with a pension of up to PLN 2,900. Above this threshold, the "zloty for zloty" rule applies. The benefit is then reduced. It is not payable for pensions or disability benefits exceeding PLN 4,728.91. And when is it paid? Usually in the fall, around September.

In addition to the thirteenth and fourteenth pensions, older people can benefit from a number of supplements and special benefits.

One of these is the care allowance (currently: PLN 348.22). People aged 75 and over receive the care allowance automatically, without the need to submit an application. It is also available to younger people if they have been deemed completely incapable of work and independent living. To receive this benefit, they must submit an application to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) with a medical certificate (form OL-9).

A separate benefit is the care allowance (PLN 215.84), paid by the municipality. It is available to people over 75 if they do not receive a supplement from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), as well as to disabled people who meet certain conditions.

It's also worth remembering the energy allowance . This is a form of financial support for eligible individuals, such as veterans, victims of repression, or their widows. The benefit is intended to compensate for energy costs and currently amounts to PLN 299.82 per month. To receive it, you must submit an appropriate application to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

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Another solution supporting seniors is the supplementary parental benefit . It is available to women over 60 who have raised at least four children, and, in certain cases, to men over 65. The benefit is equivalent to the minimum pension (currently PLN 1,878.91 gross).

In addition, seniors with veteran status, repressed persons and former soldiers who were forced to work can apply for additional benefits, such as:

• supplement to the war invalid's pension (PLN 1,333.24)
• allowance for clandestine teaching (PLN 348.22)
• veteran's allowance (PLN 348.22)
• compensatory allowance (PLN 52.23)
• care allowance for a war invalid (PLN 522.34)
• benefit for deported persons (PLN 17.46–330.86)
• benefit for former soldiers employed on compulsory employment (PLN 348.22)