The loss of a loved one is a difficult experience, which also involves considerable expenses. The period of mourning is not a time when anyone should have to worry about finances. Therefore, in the opinion of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, it was necessary to adjust the amount of support under the funeral allowance. As of 2011, it amounted to PLN 4,000.

It has been accomplished – on 30 May 2025, the act drafted by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy was signed by the President of the Republic of Poland. Under the act, the funeral allowance will be increased to PLN 7,000 as of 1 January 2026.

The allowance will be indexed

The important news is that the amount of the funeral allowance will be indexed on 1 March if inflation in the previous year exceeds 5%.

Why not annual indexation? To avoid triggering an unavoidable increase in the prices of funeral services, explained Deputy Minister of Labour Sebastian Gajewski during the Senate debate on the act.

Designated benefit to cover unforeseen costs

The law also provides for the possibility of granting a designated benefit to cover funeral expenses. The benefit will be granted irrespective of income and will be available to the person who paid the funeral expenses:

• if the deceased is not entitled to the funeral allowance,
• if the person who paid for the funeral is entitled to the funeral allowance and has incurred extraordinary costs in connection with the funeral which are difficult to foresee and may be covered by the funeral allowance (such as transporting the body from abroad).

Currently, the aforementioned designated benefit may be granted by municipalities to cover essential livelihood needs, as well as losses resulting from contingencies or natural and environmental disasters.