Hiring Workers Over 50: How Companies Can Get Up to PLN 28,836 in Subsidies

Employers hiring unemployed workers over 50 referred by an employment office can receive up to PLN 28,836 in wage subsidies, provided they meet strict statutory conditions and retention rules.

Subsidies Up to PLN 28,836 for Hiring Workers Over 50

Employers who hire an unemployed person over 50 referred by an employment office can receive up to PLN 2,403 per month in wage subsidies. Over a year, this amounts to a maximum of PLN 28,836, as provided by the labor market and employment services act.

Eligibility Criteria for the 50+ Subsidy

The subsidy is available to employers and entrepreneurs only when hiring an unemployed person referred by a poviat employment office. The candidate must have turned 50 but not yet reached retirement age—60 for women and 65 for men.

Employment History Restrictions

Regulations state that the person referred by the employment office could not have been employed by or performed other paid work for that same employer immediately prior to registration. This rule prevents rehiring the exact same individual solely to secure funding.

12-Month Subsidy Period and Mandatory Retention

Employers receive wage subsidies for 12 months following contract signature with the poviat employment office. To avoid repaying funds, the employer must maintain the worker’s employment throughout the subsidy period and for an additional 6 months afterward, totaling at least 18 months.

Conditions to Qualify for Employment Subsidies

As of the application date, the employer must not have outstanding tax, social security, or other public dues. Furthermore, representatives or managers must not have been legally convicted within the past two years of economic crimes, offenses against employment rights, or tax offenses, which is confirmed via a formal declaration under penalty of perjury.

What Happens If an Employee Leaves Early?

If the employee resigns, is dismissed under Article 52 or Article 53 of the Labor Code, or if the employment relationship expires, the employment office will refer another unemployed person to take their place, allowing the subsidy agreement to continue.

Conditions for Returning Subsidies

Employers must return the funding with statutory interest if they fail to meet employment maintenance obligations or breach agreement terms. Regulations also provide for returning 50 percent of the support if employment is maintained during the subsidy period and at least half of the required post-subsidy period, provided the office cannot refer a replacement worker.

The Importance of Application Timing

Employers must file the subsidy application with the poviat employment office before hiring the candidate. The funding can only be granted if the application is submitted and approved and the agreement is signed prior to employing the referred individual.

How Unemployed Workers Over 50 Can Get Referrals

Registered unemployed individuals aged 50 and over can apply at their local poviat employment office for a referral to a subsidized position. However, referrals depend on the office’s available funds and local employer interest in the program.