Big changes for Polish seniors! president Karol Nawrocki has just signed a bill introducing the alleged heating voucher. This is actually a fresh ‘500 plus’ for pensioners and pensioners with lower incomes, which are intended to actually relieve cover rising heating costs. The first withdrawals will start in 2025 and the amounts can scope up to PLN 3,500 per year. This groundbreaking support, approved by the president on September 26, is simply a consequence to an expanding hazard of energy poverty. Unfortunately, not all seniors will benefit. The key criteria will be the profitability and specificity of the heat source. Find out if you qualify for this program and what you request to do to get even several 1000 zlotys for heating.
Who's gonna usage the heating bill? Key income criteria
The heating bonus targets seniors at hazard of energy poverty. The key is two main criteria: profitable and heating source. First, you gotta fit into income limits. For lonely seniors the monthly net income from the pension must not exceed 3 272,69 PLN. Overshooting of that amount, even if minimal, may mean a simplification in the benefit or a deficiency of it.
For multi-person holdings The income limit is 2 PLN 454,52 net per individual per month. gross will be verified on the basis of the erstwhile calendar year: the conclusions of 2025 are based on gross from 2024 and 2026 on income from 2025. This allows you to measure your chances in advance.
The second condition is the usage of system heat and bear the costs of heating above 170 PLN per gigadjul (GJ). This means that support is for residents of blocks and tenement houses connected to urban heating networks where costs exceed this threshold. If you heat the home with coal, gas or electricity and are not connected to the network, you do not have a heating voucher.
How much precisely are you getting? Gift certificate rates and the “gold for gold” principle
The amount of the heating voucher depends on the heating costs incurred. In the second half of 2025, one-off support will be paid within 3 thresholds:
- PLN 500 – for heating costs between 170 PLN/GJ and 200 PLN/GJ.
- PLN 1000 – for costs between 200 PLN/GJ and 230 PLN/GJ.
- 1750 zł – for costs above 230 PLN/GJ.
From 2026 benefits will increase to 1000 PLN, 2000 PLN and up to 3,500 PLNwhich will supply even more support. However, experts foretell that the majority of seniors will receive the basic rate (PLN 500 in 2025, PLN 1000 in 2026) due to the fact that heat prices in Poland are usually in the lower range. Nevertheless, any amount is simply a crucial relief.
The benefit is based on ‘gold for gold’: if the income somewhat exceeds the limit, the voucher will be reduced by the excess value. Payments below PLN 20 will not be implemented, which is to optimize administrative costs.
Don't miss the deadline! How and erstwhile to apply for a voucher
To receive a heating voucher, it is essential to submit an application in time. The applications are accepted by the local authorities, so check the local service station. Remember, the deadlines are strict and impossible:
- For a period July-December 2025.: from 3 November to 15 December 2025. Don't wait!
- For the full year 2026: from 1 July to 31 August 2026.
Important: in a household where respective people apply, the voucher will be received the individual who will do it first. find with your loved ones who and erstwhile will file papers to avoid problems. The timely submission of a set of papers is your work and key to get support.
What else changes the bill? Freezing of energy prices and end of cover allowance
The Heat Bon Act besides introduces another crucial changes in the energy market. The most crucial thing is extension of the freezing of electricity prices until the end of 2025. Households will proceed to be protected, with a maximum price of 500 PLN/MWh. It's a relief for all those who have advanced electricity bills.
Unfortunately, from 2026 the strategy of freezing prices will not continue. This means that after 31 December 2025 electricity prices will return to marketplace principles, which could consequence in increased accounts. It is worth reasoning about optimizing energy consumption. In addition, the Act extends until 2027 suspension of payment of the protective supplement. The energy ministry considers that it has been replaced by more effective and targeted forms of support, specified as a heating voucher, which signals a change of direction in social policy.
The signing of the bill by president Karol Nawrocki is specific signal the active consequence of the state to the challenges of life and energy costs. The heating buff, although temporary, becomes a key shielding tool for Polish seniors. It provides real support in the face of costly heating, emphasising the intent of aid. Remember the deadlines and criteria – this is your key to extra heat in the coming months.
Continued here:
A heating bonnet is simply a fact. Up to PLN 3,500 for seniors, but only for the chosen
