Nearly 4 million people with disabilities in Poland can access specific benefits based on their disability degree, with light degree recipients entitled to particular privileges.
Disability Degrees in Poland: Legal Framework and Statistics
According to GUS data, as of the end of 2024, nearly 4 million people with disabilities lived in Poland. The largest group consists of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, circulatory system diseases, respiratory system conditions, and neurological problems.
The key legal act regulating their status is Article 4 of the Act on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities, which establishes three degrees of disability.
Light Degree of Disability: Eligibility Requirements
The light degree is the lowest assessment category. It is granted to people whose impaired physical condition and health status result in reduced ability to perform work compared to fully fit individuals.
These disability degrees determine not only the scope of limitations in independent living but also the catalog of privileges, tax benefits, and financial benefits that accompany them.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The catalog of diseases entitling to a light degree of disability is open, but the most common conditions affecting individuals include various disabilities that limit work capacity.
2026 Benefits for Light Disability Recipients
Despite having fewer limitations than those with moderate or significant disabilities, light degree recipients are entitled to a range of benefits facilitating daily functioning and professional activity.
Individuals with an assessment can be professionally active while enjoying additional protection measures.
Financial Benefits and Income Limits
People with a light degree typically do not have the right to a pension or nursing allowance but can apply for other forms of support through institutions like MOPS.
Tax Deductions and Business Benefits
Disability assessment holders have the right to rehabilitation benefits and can deduct certain expenses from their income. These include costs related to rehabilitation, transportation discounts, and services.
Those with a light degree of disability can also receive a reduction in ZUS contributions, generally entitling them to a refund of 30% of paid pension and insurance contributions.
Obtaining a Disability Assessment: The Process
The process of applying for disability status requires going through an administrative procedure with specific steps to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
A light degree of disability usually does not entitle a person to a parking card, which is typically reserved for those with moderate or significant disabilities who have severely limited mobility.
People with a light degree have no limits on additional earnings, with the exception of those receiving ZUS pensions, who are subject to general quarterly-announced income limits.
Submitting a disability assessment to an employer is voluntary, but only by providing it can an employee access additional breaks and shortened working hours.
