The most important change concerns the increase in the amount of the integration benefit which is granted to a participant in the activities at the Social Integration Centre (CIS). The benefit is to increase from 100% of the unemployment benefit to 120% of this benefit. The maintenance of the reduced amount of the integration benefit during the trial period at CIS was also abandoned. In order to benefit from the support of Social Integration Centres, the meeting of, among others, the condition of poverty will not be necessary any longer.

Integration benefit increases

The provision introducing a new – higher amount of the integration benefit applies from the date of entry of the Act into force, i.e. from 15 February 2022 with effect from 1 January 2022. The integration benefit due for December 2021 and paid in January 2022 should amount to 100% of the unemployment benefit.

The increased amount of the integration benefit will amount to 120% of the amount of unemployment benefit, i.e. PLN 1,489.

The amount of the integration benefit paid before 15 February 2022 should be 100% of the amount of unemployment benefit. As from 15 February, the amount of the benefit increases, with effect from 1 January 2022, therefore, the social integration centre should submit to the district labour office a correction of the application for payment of the benefit.

If the social integration centre received an advance for the payment of the integration benefit before 15 February 2022, the payment of the benefit will be made pursuant to the existing rules. At the same time, considering the interest of the CIS participant, the Centre should immediately send to the district labour office a correction of the application including the new amount of the benefit.

Trial period

The trial period and the participation period should continue to be counted as two separate periods.

The trial period at CIS lasts 1 month. So, the one-month trial period starting on 1 January will end on 1 February, the trial period starting on 15 February will end on 15 March. The participant covered by the trial period at CIS will acquire the right to receive the integration benefit in the increased amount, i.e. 120% of the amount of unemployment benefit.

If the trial period started before 1 January 2022 and is continued in January, the amount of the benefit should be determined as follows: for the period of 15-31 December 2021, it is calculated pursuant to the current rules (i.e. 50% of the amount of the integration benefit), for the period of 1-15 January 2022 it is calculated pursuant to the new rules (i.e. 120% of the amount of the integration benefit). Where the participation periods include other dates, the benefit should be determined on a pro rata basis for the given period.