1 January 2024 is an important date for people with disabilities and their relatives in Poland. A new solution – a support benefit aimed directly at adults with disabilities – came into force at the beginning of the year.

How to apply for the benefit?

1. The first step is to obtain a decision establishing the level of need for support. An application for such a decision can be submitted to:

• the voivodeship disability assessments team, or
• the district disability assessments team.

An application for a decision can be submitted electronically - using the PIU EMP@TIA system – or on paper.

2. The second step is to submit the application form for the support allowance after obtaining a decision establishing the level of need for support.

The application for the supportive allowance must be submitted to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in electronic form only, using one of three application channels:

• the PUE ZUS platform or the ZUS mobile application
• the Emp@tia information and service portal at empatia.mpips.gov.pl
• electronic banking.

Those applying for the support benefit will be able to receive assistance at the ZUS head office or branches both in setting up a profile on PUE ZUS and in completing and sending the application form online.

Who will receive the benefit and when?

The support allowance will be introduced in three stages, starting from 1 January 2024 and ending with its final implementation on 1 January 2026. This means that people with disabilities will become entitled to the support allowance in subsequent years depending on the number of points awarded to them while assessing their need for support. Those with the highest level of support needs will be covered first.

More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found here.

https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina/swiadczenie-wspierajace