Social care, family and child-support benefits

Social assistance in Poland is offered to individuals and families that need extra support in order to reach a minimum standard of living, or to achieve independence. Foreign families or individuals dealing with financial strain or difficult social situations may qualify for social assistance. You do not have to make any financial contributions in order to receive these benefits. Rather, you qualify if your net income per month does not exceed a certain threshold. These thresholds, however, are subject to change by the municipal council.

Examples of types of social assistance include, but are not limited to orphanage, poverty, homelessness or unemployment, disability, long-term or severe illness, or domestic violence.

Financial assistance benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • permanent or periodic allowance
  • allowance for a specific need
  • one-time loan or grant
  • educational subsidy
  • supplementary parental benefit

Non-financial (in-kind) benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • counseling services
  • shelter
  • food
  • clothing

Foreigners may also qualify for family and parental benefits. Examples include, but are not limited to a one-time aid for the birth of a child (“becikowe”) or care benefits, such as a nursing allowance.

The most favored benefit in Poland is the so-called 500+ benefit. To qualify for these kinds of benefits, foreigners staying in Poland must meet certain criteria regarding the type of permit they hold. In addition, assistance to foreigners is granted under the same principles as it is to Polish citizens who receive benefits. These types of assistance and support are available to those with refugee status and those who were given subsidiary protection on the territory of the Republic of Poland.

You can apply for social assistance at your local social welfare center. These can be found in every city. After you apply, a social worker will schedule an interview with you in order to determine whether you qualify for benefits. The social worker will assess such things as your personal life, family status, income, and overall financial situation. He or she will then make the decision. Keep in mind that they can choose to revoke your benefits at any time they determine you no longer qualify.

Who is entitled to social care?

Foreigners who live and work in Poland with a certain type of work permit may qualify for assistance. Types of qualifying permits include a permanent residence permit, a temporary residence permit, and a European Union long-term resident’s permit. European Union citizens living in Poland can receive assistance under rules and regulations similar to those of Polish citizens receiving assistance. Those who were granted refugee status and those who were given subsidiary protection on the territory of the Republic of Poland can also receive social assistance.

Social assistance for foreigners with refugee status or subsidiary protection

Foreigners with refugee status or subsidiary protection can receive assistance under rules and regulations similar to those of Polish citizens receiving assistance. This assistance could either be financial, such as permanent benefits, periodic benefits, purpose-specific benefits, or non-financial, such as social work, specialist counseling, temporary or emergency assistance, shelter, provision of necessary clothing, assistance in the form of care services. In order to qualify, you must first be evaluated by a social worker, who will determine what kind of aid you should receive.

Family and child-support benefits

Foreigners may also qualify for family and child-support benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to: a one-time aid for the birth of a child (“becikowe”) or care benefits such as a nursing allowance, nursing benefit, special care allowance.

The most favored benefit in Poland is called the 500+ benefit. The 500+ benefit is regulated separately from other benefits and is granted for each child in a household. The rules for qualification depend on one’s categories of foreigners. Therefore, make sure you qualify to receive this benefit at the Social Welfare Centre.

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