Poland’s ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) may revoke the care allowance, worth 366.68 zł monthly, if a recipient’s circumstances change, potentially requiring repayment.
Care Allowance in 2026: Who Qualifies and Under What Conditions?
From March 2026, the care allowance will be 366.68 zł per month, benefiting hundreds of thousands of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is often automatic after age 75, or based on a disability assessment.
The ZUS may suspend or revoke the allowance, and even demand repayment, if a recipient’s life situation changes.
Eligibility Requirements for the Allowance
The right to the allowance is granted in two main cases: needing constant care, and having a confirmed right to a pension or benefit. Without a pension or benefit, the allowance will not be granted.
The allowance primarily goes to seniors, but individuals under 75 with a severe health condition confirmed by a ZUS assessment can also receive it. However, the allowance is not unconditional.
Common Scenario: Loss of Allowance Due to Institutional Care
The most frequent reason for revocation is admission to a care facility. The ZUS does not pay the allowance if the beneficiary is in long-term care.
This can lead to a demand for repayment of previously received benefits if the situation is discovered later.
Example: Repayment Demand After Temporary Care
A man named Jan spent three weeks per month in a care facility for several months, continuing to receive the allowance. Following a ZUS audit, his allowance was revoked, and he was ordered to repay the funds received during his stay.
Who Risks Losing the Allowance in 2026?
The ZUS regularly verifies the health and circumstances of beneficiaries. An initial disability assessment is not permanent.
Loss of allowance can also occur if the fundamental conditions for receiving it are no longer met.
Automatic Allowance at 75: Not a Lifetime Guarantee
Even those who automatically qualify after turning 75 are not immune to revocation. If a senior enters long-term care, the allowance may be suspended.
Age grants the right to the allowance, but does not waive other requirements.
Repaying the Allowance: When is it Required?
The most difficult scenario is being required to repay the allowance. This occurs when benefits were paid out despite ineligibility, often due to unreported changes in circumstances.
The ZUS treats such situations as improperly received benefits and issues a repayment order. The responsibility for reporting changes lies with the beneficiary.
Reporting Obligations: Avoid Losing Your Allowance
A frequently overlooked obligation is reporting changes in circumstances to the ZUS. This is a primary cause of problems.
Beneficiaries must report changes such as admission to a care facility or a significant improvement in health.
Failure to report can result in a demand for repayment.
Case Study: Maria’s Experience
Maria (78) entered a care facility after surgery, initially for 10 days, but her stay extended to three weeks per month for four months. The allowance continued to be paid. The ZUS later revoked the allowance for the period of her stay and demanded repayment due to a failure to report the change.
