The electronic version of the identity card authorises to use all reliefs and entitlements which may be used by old age and disability pensioners. It has the same legal force as a plastic identity card and may be used in any situation where it is needed to present a traditional document. We can add it on our own to the mObywatel app on our smartphone by selecting the appropriate option.

Virtual world also for seniors

Minister Marlena Maląg stressed that the pandemic period had shown how much digital public administration made everyday functioning easier. We also owe the development of remote work to the experience of that period.

The codification of remote work, included in the amendment to the Labour Code, is waiting only for the President’s signature – reminded Minister Maląg.

Older age does not need to mean digital exclusion. The Ministry of Family and Social Policy undertakes a number of measures to reduce the phenomenon of digital exclusion among seniors. This is achieved, inter alia, through initiatives implemented as part of the Active+ programme, such as IT workshops or classes. Equally important is the joint venture of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and the Ministry of Digitisation, under which we launched Digital Senior Clubs.

They develop the digital skills of elderly people. Last year, we allocated PLN 12 million for this purpose. Elderly people also have digital volunteers at their disposal. These are well-trained persons who help seniors find their way in the digital world. The initiative is implemented by the Solidarity Senior Citizens’ Support Corps.

Joint measures of the whole government allow to build a modern Poland and improve the digital skills of seniors – summed up Minister Marlena Maląg.

Let us remember about the Family 500+ programme

From 1 February, parents may submit applications for 500+ for the new benefit period.

Submitting the application by 30 April ensures the continuity of payment of the benefits, therefore, I encourage parents not to delay the submission and remember about these dates – reminded Minister Maląg.

So far, we have covered 7 million children with the benefit for a total amount of nearly PLN 220 billion. We consistently introduce new support tools for families. One of them is Family Care Capital, which has been functioning since last year. So far, Family Care Capital has covered 628 thousand children for a total amount of almost PLN 3.7 billion.

Electronic means convenient and safe

The mObywatel app is a convenient and secure digital wallet for documents – as Adam Andruszkiewicz, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, said at the briefing.

It is already used by several million Poles. The ambition and objective of the government is to invite also seniors to the digital world.

mZUS

Professor Gertruda Uścińska, President of the Social Insurance Institution, informed that about 130 thousand seniors already used mLegitymacja. The electronic document is issued for all 8 million beneficiaries – it is enough to download it to our phone.

President Uścińska also assured that the plastic identity cards issued so far remained valid till the end of the validity period indicated on them.