Inheriting funds from Open Pension Funds (OFE) and Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is regulated by appropriate legal provisions. In Poland, there are specific rules that determine which benefits can be inherited from a deceased member of OFE or ZUS.
Inheriting from OFE
In the case of OFE, inheritance concerns the accumulated funds in the pension fund. According to the current regulations, after the death of an OFE member, the accumulated funds can be transferred to the heirs. Inheritance is based on a will or the inheritance law. In the absence of a will, inheritance takes place based on statutory rules of inheritance.
However, it is worth noting that inheriting funds from OFE may be limited in the case when the fund member did not designate beneficiaries or in the presence of debts or financial obligations of the deceased. In such a situation, the accumulated funds can be used to pay off these debts.
Benefits from ZUS
In the case of inheriting funds from ZUS, the situation is slightly different. ZUS is a public institution responsible for paying pension and disability benefits. After the death of an insured person, pension or disability benefits are not inherited by the heirs. ZUS provides a one-time funeral benefit to the closest family members of the deceased, but the pension or disability benefit itself does not pass on to other family members.
However, it is important to remember that in the event of the insured person’s death, there is a possibility of inheriting other benefits or rights related to social insurance. For example, if the insured person had accident or occupational disease insurance, the benefits due to them can be transferred to the heirs.
In summary, the rules for inheriting funds from OFE and ZUS are different. In the case of OFE, the accumulated funds can be inherited by the heirs, provided certain conditions are met. In the case of ZUS, pension or disability benefits are not inherited by the heirs, although there is a possibility of inheriting other benefits or rights related to social insurance.