When is a widow entitled to a husband’s pension? “I am entitled to nothing in this sick country”

The death of a family member is a difficult experience. The situation becomes even more difficult when the widow or widower is left without a livelihood or their household budget is significantly reduced. In the era of raging inflation, every zloty counts, which is why some people try to get help from the state after the death of their husband or wife. However, not everyone will be able to apply for it. A similar story was shared by our reader, Mrs. Marzena.

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Is a widow entitled to a survivor’s pension? “I work honestly and I can’t count on any help”

My husband recently passed away at the age of 57. He worked hard all his life, worked hard to support us, and even after his death in this sick country I am entitled to nothing. He had no pension or pension and never received any money from the state. Others still get something, some 500 plus, thirteenth and fourteenth pensions, and what will they give me now? I’m 55 years old, I work honestly, but it’s not enough to live with dignity. I can’t get any help? Am I owed something as a widow or am I left on my own?

When can a widow apply for a survivor’s pension? You will receive it after meeting several conditions

Widows after the death of their husband may apply for a survivor’s pension. In order to receive financial support from the state, a number of requirements must be met in order to receive 85% of the deceased’s benefit, if only one person is entitled to it, in this case the widow. When will the survivor’s pension be due? First of all, at the time of death, the deceased should have an established right to an old-age or disability pension or receive a pre-retirement allowance, a pre-retirement benefit or a teacher’s compensatory benefit. In addition, a widow must be over 50 at the time of her husband’s death or be incapable of work, or:

• bring up children or grandchildren under the age of 16 (or 18 if still in school);
• take care of a child who is completely unable to work and live independently;
• turn 50 or become incapable of work no later than 5 years from the husband or from the cessation of raising children.

In the case of our reader, she will not be entitled to a survivor’s pension, although she is over 50 years old. All because her husband was still working at the time of his death and did not meet the criteria included in the guidelines of the Social Insurance Institution.