The introduction of the compensatory benefit for EWK pensioners results from the low amount of such pensions when compared to care benefits, which amount to PLN 2,119 as from 2022.

The compensatory benefit is granted to persons taking care of an ill child, in the amount constituting the difference between the amount of the care benefit and the amount of the old age and disability pension benefit received. The payment of these funds will take place together with the EWK pension.

Persons who apply for benefits by 28 February 2022 will receive compensation of benefits from 1 January this year, while the applications will be considered by 31 March.

Applications for the compensatory benefit should be submitted to the Social Insurance Institution or other authority paying this benefit, it will be paid after the annual indexation together with old age and disability pension benefits.

Where EWK pensions come from

The regulation of the Council of Ministers in 1989 allowed to become the EWK pensioner. It enabled early retirement of one of the parents, who already had the required seniority and was forced to stop working due to taking care of an ill child. In 1999, this provision lost its force, but existing EWK pensioners could still receive their benefits.