Millions of Hungarian pensioners are set to receive an extra month's payment in 2027 — and for many, that means a significant boost to their household budget early in the year. Here's a clear breakdown of who qualifies, how much they can expect, when the money arrives, and what's currently known about the 14th month pension that's being phased in alongside it.
Who is eligible for the 13th month pension in 2027?
Eligibility depends on meeting two conditions at the same time. To receive the 13th month pension in 2027, a person must have been entitled to a qualifying pension benefit for at least one day in 2026 and also in January 2027. This rule is set out in Section 6/A of Hungary's Social Security Pension Act (Act LXXXI of 1997).
In practice, this means that someone who retired in December 2026 and is still receiving their pension in January 2027 should qualify. However, anyone who only becomes a pensioner in January or February 2027 will not have held pension entitlement during 2026 — and will therefore not be eligible for the 13th month payment that year.
It's also worth noting that eligibility is assessed separately for each type of benefit. Not all pension-like payments fall under the same rules, and specific regulations may apply to different types of allowances.
How much will the 13th month pension be?
Under current rules, the 13th month pension equals the full monthly pension amount the recipient is entitled to in January 2027. In other words, eligible pensioners receive one complete extra month's payment on top of their regular January pension.
A simple example: if someone's old-age pension in January 2027 is 250,000 HUF (approximately $715), they would be entitled to an additional 250,000 HUF as their 13th month payment — bringing their total for that period to around 500,000 HUF (approximately $1,430).
The final amount will be determined by whatever pension is in payment in January 2027. If a pension increase is applied in January, that higher figure will also form the basis of the 13th month payment — so any uprating works in pensioners' favor.
When will the 13th month pension be paid in 2027?
By law, the 13th month pension must be paid by the pension disbursement authority automatically, during the first quarter of the year. Based on how previous years have worked, payment in February is the most likely scenario — but the exact transfer date for 2027 will only be confirmed once the Hungarian State Treasury publishes the official payment calendar.
Past payment dates can give a rough indication, but they don't guarantee the same schedule will apply again. Bank transfer and postal delivery dates can also differ, so it's worth keeping an eye on official announcements from the Hungarian State Treasury as the date approaches.
What about the 14th month pension in 2027?
The 14th month pension is a newer benefit, introduced gradually from 2026. Under Government Decree 409/2025 (XII. 22.), the 14th month payment in 2026 is set at 25% of a full monthly pension.
Earlier plans suggested the benefit would be phased in year by year, potentially reaching 50% of a monthly pension by 2027. However, that figure should not be treated as confirmed — the 50% rate for 2027 has not been formally written into current legislation.
The exact amount of the 14th month pension for 2027 will only be certain once the relevant laws and any subsequent amendments are in place.
For now, the only legally fixed rate is the 25% that applies in 2026. Any future changes will need to be announced through official government channels before they can be relied upon.
Do pensioners need to apply for these payments?
No application is needed for either benefit. The 13th month pension is paid automatically by the pension authority, without any separate decision or form required from the recipient. The same automatic rules apply to the 14th month payment for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
If you're unsure whether you qualify — for example because you recently retired, or because you receive a different type of benefit rather than a standard old-age pension — it's worth checking directly with the Hungarian State Treasury for personalised guidance.
The key takeaway: the eligibility rules for the 2027 13th month pension are already defined in law, while the precise rate of the 14th month payment for next year remains to be officially confirmed. Exact payment dates and further details will be announced through official communications in due course.
Who qualifies for the 13th month pension in 2027?
Anyone who was entitled to a qualifying pension benefit for at least one day in 2026 and continues to receive it in January 2027. Those who first become pensioners in January or February 2027 will not qualify that year.
Do I need to apply to receive the 13th month pension?
No. The payment is made automatically by the pension disbursement authority. There is no form to fill in and no separate decision required — if you're eligible, the money is paid to you directly.
Will the 14th month pension definitely reach 50% in 2027?
Not necessarily. While earlier plans outlined a gradual increase toward 50% of a monthly pension in 2027, this rate has not yet been fixed in law. The confirmed rate for 2026 is 25%, and the 2027 figure will only be certain once official legislation is published.
Does a pension increase in January affect the 13th month payment?
Yes. The 13th month pension is calculated based on the January 2027 pension amount. If a pension increase is applied in January, that higher amount will also be used as the basis for the 13th month payment.
When exactly is the 13th month pension paid in February?
The exact date will be confirmed by the Hungarian State Treasury's official payment calendar. Based on previous years, payment is expected in February, but bank transfer and postal delivery dates can vary — so it's advisable to check official announcements closer to the time.
