Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed two laws, one extending legal residency for Ukrainian refugees and tying social benefits to employment, and another capping household energy prices.
Ukrainian Aid Law
President Karol Nawrocki has signed a law extending the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war and linking social benefits, including the 800+ payment, to employment.
The law was revised after Nawrocki previously vetoed an earlier version that lacked provisions for social programs. The new rules require recipients to be active in the labor market or have children attending Polish schools, with monthly verification by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
The government aims to prevent fraudulent employment claims, requiring beneficiaries to earn at least 50% of the minimum wage (2,333 zł gross in 2025). Existing residency permits for Ukrainians will also be extended until March 4, 2025.
Energy Price Cap and Heating Support
The second law Nawrocki signed extends the price cap on electricity for households at 500 zł per megawatt-hour until the end of the year. It also introduces a heating subsidy for low-income households.