The Council of Ministers has approved a legislative project for the 2026 Senior Voucher, a new service-based support program providing home care for citizens aged 65 and older.
Senior Voucher 2026: New Benefit for Persons Aged 65+
In 2026, the introduction of the Senior Voucher is planned. This is a new support instrument for individuals who have completed 65 years of age. The benefit will not be paid in cash, but in the form of care services implemented at the senior’s place of residence.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Council of Ministers approved the draft bill concerning the coordination of long-term care and support for the elderly, including the introduction of the Senior Voucher as a new form of service-based support for those aged 65 and older. Between 2026 and 2028, the total amount of funds for the implementation of the program is expected to be 1 billion PLN. The draft bill is now awaiting proceedings in the Sejm.
Service Scope and Eligibility
The Senior Voucher is intended to be a new element of social policy directed at the elderly. Its goal is to provide support in daily functioning without the necessity of referring seniors to institutional care. The benefit will cover individuals who have completed 65 years of age and have difficulty independently performing basic life activities.
Important
The granting of the Senior Voucher will be decided by the municipality, which will assess whether the senior has unmet needs regarding daily functioning, such as shopping, hygiene, or daily organization.
Who Can Provide Services? Conditions and Family Exclusions
Services under the Senior Voucher may only be provided by persons meeting specific conditions: they must be adults, physically and mentally capable of performing such tasks, and trained in senior care and first aid.
Importantly, the provision of services under the Senior Voucher cannot be carried out by the senior’s immediate family—neither children, nor parents, nor a spouse living separately.
Income Criteria and Granting Conditions
The benefit will not be available to all seniors automatically. One of the conditions is the income situation—the average monthly income from the last three months must not exceed 3,410 PLN. Additionally, it will be necessary to demonstrate unmet needs in daily functioning.
Senior Voucher and Social Assistance
The Senior Voucher will not be an element of the social assistance system.
Exclusions and Combinations
The project provides exclusions—the voucher cannot be combined with, among others:
Program Implementation and Financing
The program is to be implemented in stages—first in municipalities with limited availability of care services, and then in areas where the needs of seniors are greatest. Financing will come from the state budget in the form of a targeted grant.
Legal Basis
Draft Act on the coordination of long-term care and elderly people (no. UD326).
