A new “Family Card for Uniformed Services” offering discounts and prioritized access is stalled in the Polish parliament, prompting union demands for faster progress.
New Privileges for Uniformed Services – The Family Card for Uniformed Services
The new Family Card for Uniformed Services promises benefits such as cheaper PKP train tickets, discounted passports, and priority access to preschools. Unions are urging lawmakers to accelerate the legislative process.
Legislative Progress and Union Concerns
The bill for the Family Card for Uniformed Services passed its first reading in the Sejm on February 10, 2026, and has been referred to the Administration and Internal Affairs and National Defense committees. The NSZZ Policjantów (Police Union) is appealing for faster action, stating the implementation pace is too slow.
Scope of Benefits
The package aims to improve the situation for soldiers, police officers, and other uniformed service personnel and their families, offering financial and organizational benefits designed to enhance stability and attractiveness of service.
“The Card is Stalling” – Union Criticism
Unions report delays and unmet agreements regarding the Family Card, raising tensions within the uniformed services.
Growing Frustration Over Implementation Pace
The NSZZ Policjantów directly accuses the government of a lack of real progress and delays in fulfilling earlier promises regarding the Card and pay system reform.
Union Demands for Legislative Action
Unions are demanding immediate acceleration of legislative work on the Card and concrete proposals for changes to service allowances, including the disclosure of detailed calculations for planned wage increases.
Proposed Allowance Increase
A proposal has been made to introduce a minimum 10% service allowance, mirroring the system currently in place for the Border Guard.
Who is Eligible for the Card?
The project aims to establish a nationwide support system for the uniformed services community. The Family Card for Uniformed Services will be available to various groups.
Eligibility Includes Families of Deceased or Missing Personnel
The Card will also extend to the families of deceased or missing uniformed service members.
Discounts for Card Holders
Holders of the Family Card for Uniformed Services will receive specific, legally guaranteed discounts and privileges.
Priority Access to Preschools
Children of uniformed service members and soldiers will be given priority admission to preschools, particularly during transfers to new units.
Priority Healthcare Access
The project also provides access to healthcare outside of the standard queue, both in military medical facilities and units under the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
Private Sector and Local Government Participation
The system is designed to be open, allowing companies and local governments to participate and offer discounts.
Program Recognition
Entities offering discounts will be able to display a special designation: “We Honor the Family Card for Uniformed Services,” to increase program visibility nationwide.
Digital Integration and ZUS Verification
The project includes extensive digitalization, with eligibility verification automated through public registers, including military records, PESEL, educational systems, and ZUS databases.
Card Format and Accessibility
The Card will be available in both traditional and digital formats, including through the mObywatel app. Issuance of the document will be free of charge.
Designated Day of Recognition
The bill proposes establishing May 15th as Family Day for Uniformed Services, to emphasize the importance of the uniformed services community.