Poland offers significant financial and workplace benefits to those with moderate disability status beyond the basic allowance.
What Does Moderate Disability Mean? Legal Definition
According to Art. 4 of the Act on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, there are three degrees of disability: mild, moderate, and significant. They determine limitations in independent functioning and the need for care, as well as the ability to work.
Allowances and Benefits with Moderate Disability
A disabled person over 16 with moderate disability receives a care allowance of PLN 215.84 gross monthly, provided the disability occurred before age 21. This depends on the degree of inability to exist independently.
An periodic allowance is granted if income is below thresholds: PLN 1010 for single households and PLN 823 per person in families.
Some moderate disability recipients may receive a supporting benefit based on need level, currently ranging from PLN 752 to PLN 4,134 gross, increasing to PLN 792-PLN 4,353 after March indexation.
Additional Financial Support
Targeted allowances cover essential needs like food, medical supplies, or minor repairs. Special targeted allowances up to PLN 1010 for singles or PLN 823 per family member are available for those not meeting income criteria.
Parking Card Eligibility
Persons with moderate disability may apply for a parking card if they have significantly limited mobility. The ruling must indicate eligibility and include one of the specified disability cause symbols.
Tax Benefits for Rehabilitation
Disability ruling holders can claim tax allowances for rehabilitation expenses, including car adaptations, medicines, and rehabilitation course fees.
Workplace Rights for Moderate Disability
Working time cannot exceed 7 hours daily or 35 hours weekly, with no night or overtime shifts (except in guarding or with medical approval). Employees receive 15-minute therapeutic breaks and 10 additional annual leave days.
They’re entitled to up to 21 paid working days annually for rehabilitation courses, specialist examinations, or medical procedures that can’t be scheduled outside work hours.
Obtaining a Moderate Disability Ruling
Rulings are issued by district (municipal) disability assessment teams (PZON). Negative decisions can be appealed to provincial teams (WZON) or ultimately to labor and social insurance courts.
