Citizens over the age of 65 who have not acquired the right to a pension may be eligible for the national allowance, provided they meet a series of legal conditions. This form of financial aid is intended specifically for this group of citizens, and from 1 January 2026, the allowance amounts to €160.22 per month per beneficiary, following regular indexation.
The national allowance was introduced to at least partially improve the material position of elderly people who do not have regular income from the pension system. The question of its further increase was raised again after the Government stated that there is currently no room for a new rise. On 4 November, the Government announced that there are currently no possibilities for a further increase in the national allowance or for its double indexation within the same year.
The explanation notes that the amount of the allowance is adjusted in line with the rise in the cost of living, and that its level takes into account the state’s economic and fiscal capabilities, the amount of the guaranteed minimum allowance, and the lowest pension for 15 years of pensionable service. The Government emphasises that the national allowance is not part of the pension insurance system and cannot be indexed in the same way as pensions. The issue of an increase came back into focus following the Government’s response to the Special Report of the Ombudsman on the rights of elderly people. There is currently no officially confirmed new amount for the national allowance.
The right to the national allowance may be acquired by a Croatian citizen who has reached the age of 65 and has had their residence in the Republic of Croatia for at least ten years continuously immediately before submitting the application. The beneficiary must not be a recipient of a Croatian or foreign pension, must not be an insured person in mandatory pension insurance, must not be receiving the guaranteed minimum allowance, must not have a recognised right to accommodation services under social care regulations, and must not have concluded a contract for lifelong or until-death maintenance as a maintenance recipient, except in cases provided by law.
A person receiving a pension may acquire the national allowance if they suspend the payment of their pension at their own request, provided they meet all other legal conditions. A recipient of the guaranteed minimum allowance may switch to the national allowance if they request the termination of their right to the guaranteed minimum allowance. Income earned in the previous calendar year per household member, on a monthly basis, must not exceed twice the amount of the national allowance. Since the national allowance in 2026 is €160.22, the income threshold is €320.44 per month per household member.
Not only the income of the person submitting the application is considered, but also the income of household members. A household is defined as a family or other community of persons who live together and cover living costs, regardless of whether they are related. If two persons live together and jointly cover living costs, the income per member of their household is considered for the acquisition of the right. The application for the national allowance is submitted to the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO), specifically to the competent local organisational unit according to the applicant’s place of residence.
The adoption of a special law on the rights of elderly people has also been announced, which would more systematically regulate their rights, dignified life, social inclusion, and institutional protection.
