The Polish government has adopted a bill introducing a new senior bond program for citizens over 65 with limited income, providing support for daily living.
New Senior Bond Approved by Government
The Polish government has approved a draft law establishing a new senior bond, a non-cash benefit for individuals over 65 years of age whose average monthly income over the past three months does not exceed 3,410 złoty. The bond will be used for temporary assistance with daily activities, such as dressing or preparing meals.
Coordination of Long-Term Care and Senior Services
The Council of Ministers approved the bill on Tuesday, coordinating long-term care and services for seniors, presented by the Government Plenipotentiary for Senior Policy, Marzena Okły-Drewnowicz.
Eligibility and Program Implementation
The new legislation introduces the senior bond as a solution to help individuals aged 65 and over in their daily lives, providing access to support services. The aim is to facilitate seniors’ functioning in their own environment, improve the quality of care, and better coordinate health and social services. The project fulfills a milestone within the Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO).
Who Qualifies for the Senior Bond?
The senior bond will be available to anyone who has reached the age of 65, is a citizen of Poland, the European Union (or the European Economic Area, the Swiss Confederation, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), and whose average income does not exceed 3,410 złoty.
Scope of Services and Support
The senior bond will be a non-monetary benefit allocated to temporary services lasting a maximum of two weeks, assisting with daily living needs such as help with dressing, meal preparation, maintaining order, and supporting access to healthcare or ensuring social contact.
Phased Implementation of the Program
The program will be implemented gradually, starting in municipalities that do not currently provide public care services for seniors.
Evolution of the Senior Bond Project
Initially, the senior bond was envisioned as an independent, statutory benefit granted upon application by the senior. The first draft of the senior bond law appeared on the Government Legislation Centre website in October 2024, proposing a maximum of 2,150 złoty per month in services for individuals over 75 years of age.
Role of the Government Plenipotentiary for Senior Policy
The new legislation stipulates that the Government Plenipotentiary for Senior Policy will coordinate activities related to long-term care and prepare annual reports on the situation of older people in Poland.