Starting September 1, 2026, the Polish government will introduce a senior voucher scheme worth up to 2,150 PLN per month, offering care services for eligible citizens aged 65 and older.
Eligibility and Income Requirements
The program targets individuals aged 65 and over who face challenges with daily living. To qualify, a senior’s average monthly income from the previous three months must not exceed 3,410 PLN, a limit subject to future indexation.
Beyond the income threshold, local municipalities will conduct an environmental assessment to determine the actual need for support, evaluating the number of care hours required and existing family assistance.
Service-Based Support Instead of Cash
The senior voucher will not be a direct cash transfer to the pensioner’s bank account. Instead, the municipality will finance specific care services delivered at the senior’s place of residence, such as assistance with shopping or organizing medical visits.
This initiative aims to prevent family members from having to leave the workforce to provide care. Consequently, the services provided under the voucher cannot be performed by the senior’s immediate family, such as children, parents, or spouses.
Implementation and Strategic Objectives
Applications are scheduled to open on September 1, 2026, with the program being rolled out in stages through 2028. The state plans to allocate approximately 1 billion PLN to this initiative, prioritizing rural areas and smaller municipalities that currently lack established care services.
The program serves as a response to aging demographic trends, with the Central Statistical Office (GUS) reporting that those over 65 now account for roughly 21 percent of the population. The government intends for this scheme to stimulate the local market for professional care services.
