Hungary to Implement 14th Month Pension for All Pensioners Starting February 2026
Budapest: Hungary will begin phasing in a 14th month pension from February 2026, as confirmed by Minister Gergely Gulyás during his latest press briefing. This initiative marks a significant expansion of pension benefits, complementing the existing 13th month pension introduced in previous years.
According to About Hungary, Minister Gergely Gulyás, who heads the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that all pensioners will receive a quarter of the new 14th month payment alongside their February 2026 pensions. This gradual implementation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining pensioners’ purchasing power amid inflationary pressures. The minister emphasized that the real value of pensions has been preserved and, where possible, the government has opted to raise pensions further.
The pension announcement is part of a series of economic and social policy decisions unveiled following Prime Minister Orbán’s visit to the United States. Minister Gulyás highlighted Hungary’s exemption from U.S. sanctions on
Russian energy, secured during talks in D.C., which ensures continued access to affordable energy. He warned that without the exemption, energy prices in Hungary could have tripled.
Hungary’s alignment with the United States on migration, family policy, and sovereignty was also reaffirmed. Discussions included the possibility of Hungary hosting a future international peace summit on Ukraine, contingent on regional developments.
On the domestic front, the government announced an extension of the interest rate cap on certain household and student loans, benefiting nearly 273,000 families. The 7.99% interest ceiling on student loans will remain unchanged. Additionally, a new 3% fixed-rate loan program for small and medium-sized businesses is expected to assist around 7,000 enterprises. Further tax reductions and simplifications for SMEs are under negotiation with the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The government plans to double the so-called bank tax, arguing that financial institutions can absor
b the added burden without passing costs on to consumers. Minister Gulyás assured the public that the state will monitor banks to prevent higher fees.
Strengthening child protection is another priority. The government will double compensation for foster parents and increase allowances for parents raising children with disabilities. It will create 200 new positions in the guardianship office and expand the number of school guards and child protection officers. A nationwide hygiene minimum will also be introduced, and a new infant care institution is being planned.
In a broader political context, Minister Gulyás defended the government against criticism from Brussels and opposition parties, particularly on issues of national sovereignty and data protection. He accused the European Commission of using funding as leverage to push for a change in government in Hungary and called the recent Tisza Party data leak a serious national security threat.
Minister Gulyás concluded by emphasizing that Hungary’s economic
and political stability, combined with strategic partnerships, allows the government to make ambitious policy commitments such as the 14th month pension. He underlined that such initiatives reflect long-term planning rather than short-term populism.