New benefit PLN 500 for people 65+: Who can benefit and what are the rules?

Seniors who are 65 years old can number on fresh financial support of PLN 500 per month. However, this benefit is not common and not everyone meets the conditions for obtaining it. The article explains who precisely can apply for this amount, what are the income criteria, how to make an application and what is the importance of the decision on incapacity for work.

Who has an additional PLN 500?

Supplementary benefit 500 PLN per month it is addressed to persons who fulfil at the same time respective circumstantial conditions. The main criteria are:

• age 65,
• decision of full incapacity for work or self-existence,
• no right to a pension or collecting benefits little than PLN 2157.80 gross per month.

This second criterion is peculiarly crucial due to the fact that the benefit is of a nature supplemental, not universal – its goal is to support the poorest seniors.

Key criterion: inability to be independently

To receive the supplement, it is essential medical certificate confirming the inability to live independently. This could be:

• decision given by ZUS,
• a decision on the degree of disability to a large extent,
• the decision of another jurisprudence body, specified as KRUS, MON or the Ministry of abroad Affairs, if it meets the requirements of the Act.

Without this paper the benefit will not be grantedeven if the individual meets another age and income conditions.

Income condition – how much can you earn?

The income limit is PLN 2157.80 gross per month. This means that persons who collect a pension of:

• less than PLN 1657,80they will receive the full amount of the allowance (500 PLN),
• higher than PLN 1657,80, but little than PLN 2157.80, will receive a benefit of the difference between PLN 2157.80 and the main benefit charged.

Example: Retireer 1900 PLN gross will receive 257,80 zł of additivethat the full income does not exceed the statutory limit.

Where and how to apply?

The application for supplementary benefit shall be submitted to the competent branch:

• Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) – for most citizens,
• Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS) – for farmers,
• other pension bodies – e.g. MON or the Ministry of abroad Affairs if the individual falls under their jurisdiction.

The application may be submitted:

• personally,
• by letter,
• electronically via the Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS).

The application shall be accompanied by a decision on incapacity for self-existence and papers confirming the current income situation.

Does the benefit affect another allowances?

Nope. Appendix 500 PLN is not taxed and does not include income. This means that it does not affect:

• the right to a housing allowance,
• right to supply 800+ per kid (if, for example, a elder is simply a legal guardian),
• other benefits and social support.

This is crucial information due to the fact that people utilizing social assistance request not be afraid of losing another forms of support.

What about those in nursing homes?

Persons residing in:

• social services homes,
• care and treatment facilities,
• care and care establishments,

will not receive benefits if the costs of the stay are covered by public funds. The benefit is an individual support and cannot be transferred to institutions.

When is the money paid?

After the application has been lodged and granted, the Social safety Office or another body shall pay the benefit not more than 30 days from the date of granting. The funds go to a bank account or are provided by post – depending on the preferences indicated by the applicant.

It is worth noting that benefit is paid monthlyand its award is of a nature unlimitedunless the wellness or income situation of the elder citizen changes.

The possible for the future – will the benefit be valued?

Currently Law does not supply for automatic valorisation benefits 500 PLN. However, there are discussions in the public space on possible valorisation due to rising costs of surviving and inflation.

From a systemic point of view, the introduction of this kind of additive is intended to Reduction of poorness among older people and ensuring minimum conditions of existence. It can so become part of wider reforms of the pension strategy or social welfare strategy in the future.