The funeral allowance has not covered the full cost of burial for years. As of 2026, the benefit will increase to PLN 7000. Will this change make funeral prices go up too?
Funeral allowance 2026 – most important changes
From January 1, 2026, the funeral allowance will be increased from PLN 4000 to PLN 7000. This is the first such raise since 2011. The new rules also provide for the valorisation of the benefit if inflation exceeds 5% of the last change in the amount. The funeral allowance shall be paid to persons who have paid for the funeral, regardless of their relationship with the deceased.
Who will receive the higher amount and when?
- The new amount will include deaths after 1 January 2026.
- The amount of the benefit will not automatically increase every year – the valorisation will only occur with a marked increase in prices.
How much does a funeral cost in Poland in 2025?
The funeral costs are constantly rising. In 2025 the average expenditure on burials ranges from PLN 8,000 to PLN 12,000, and in large cities even above PLN 15,000. The final price is affected by:
- type of ceremony ( secular, religious)
- selection of coffin or urn
- cemetery charges
- body transport and preparation
- decorations, flowers, wake
The following is an example cost table:
| Category | Price range (PLN) |
|---|---|
| Body transport | 300–1000 |
| Preparation | 350–550 |
| Carton/ourna | 800–4000 |
| Flowers and decorations | 250–800 |
| Cemetery services | 2300–7300 |
| Religious rites | 500–1500 |
| Administration | 100–300 |
| Total | 5000–15 000 |
Will the increase in funeral allowance increase funeral prices?
Market mechanisms and practice
The increase in the funeral allowance may theoretically increase the price of funeral services, especially if funeral establishments consider that customers have a larger budget. However, experts indicate that funeral prices increase regardless of the amount of the benefit – inflation, increases in material prices (e.g. wood for coffins), energy and labour costs are the main factors.
Increase of the funeral allowance to PLN 7000 is an important change that will facilitate the payment of part of the funeral costs. However, rising service prices make even higher delivery not enough for all expenditure.
