Seniors can get 500 PLUS. Where and how to apply to get money all month

The programme of financial support for people incapable to be on their own, popularly referred to as ‘500 plus for senior’, has been amended by introducing a fresh income threshold. Now, in addition to having a ruling of full incapacity for work and independent existence, it is besides essential to meet a circumstantial income criterion.

These fresh regulations require that beneficiaries of this benefit not only paper their hard wellness situation but besides confirm that their income does not exceed a certain limit. This is an crucial step to guarantee that financial assistance goes to those who truly request it, while taking into account aspects relating to the level of earnings.

500 plus for elder in 2023

Legislative changes introducing the provision of "500 plus for seniors", aimed at supporting those incapable to live independently, began to apply from 1 October 2019. According to these provisions, persons entitled to receive financial support up to PLN 500 per month.

This benefit is addressed to people who have reached adulthood, who live in Poland and have a declaration of full incapacity for work and independent existence. Since the entry into force of these provisions, the number of people benefiting from this benefit has steadily increased, which demonstrates its importance for the community of those affected by life difficulties.

The amount of the benefit depends, inter alia, on the full amount of another cash benefits that the individual receives from public funding. In 2022 the threshold to receive this benefit was PLN 1896.13 gross per month. Thus, those who met certain conditions and at the same time were in financial position below that threshold were entitled to apply for financial support under the ‘500 plus for senior’ programme.

500 plus for a elder with a fresh income threshold

As of March 2023, there has been a crucial change in the eligibility criteria for the benefit of 500 plus for the senior. The income threshold, which entitles to usage this benefit, was increased by PLN 261,67, reaching PLN 2157,80 gross. It is worth noting that the payment of this benefit applies to the “gold for gold”.

The 500 plus program for seniors is subject to yearly valorisation, according to the indicator that is utilized to value pensions. In this year, the rate was 14.8 percent, leading to an increase in the income threshold for the benefit.

It is besides worth noting that since the introduction of a supplement for people incapable to live independently, i.e. from 1 October 2019, the income threshold recorded a crucial increase of PLN 557.80 – this information was made available by the household ministry.

These changes represent an crucial step towards improving the situation of seniors, allowing them to benefit from additional financial support while adapting the thresholds to changing economical conditions. The increases in income thresholds and the principles of valorisation introduced consequence in a more adequate reflection of the real needs and cost of surviving of the beneficiaries of the scheme.

Who deserves 500 plus for a senior?

The ‘500 plus for senior’ strategy includes a cash benefit for older people who meet certain conditions. In order to benefit from this benefit, it is essential to submit an application together with an appropriate paper confirming the inability to live independently. Below are the details of the required documents:

1. The ruling of inability to be alone:

• A ruling is required which confirms that the applicant is incapable of surviving alone.

1. Judgment of full incapacity for work and incapacity for independent existence:

• Alternatively, the applicant may submit a judgement of full incapacity for work and simultaneous incapacity for self-function.

1. Judgment of 1 September 1997 of the Disability Board:

• Persons who have this decision may besides benefit from the programme.

In addition, a paper confirming the inability to be on its own may be a decision of full incapacity for work on an agricultural holding, a decision of full incapacity for service, and a decision of crucial disability.

Persons who do not have a ruling confirming their inability to be on their own should join the application:

• Health certificate: Not earlier than 1 period before the application.
• Medical documentation: These may be, for example, test results, prevention cards, medical rehabilitation documentation, applicable to the assessment of wellness status.

It is crucial that the benefit is due from the period in which the conditions for granting it are met, but not earlier than the period in which the application was lodged. This means that an application is required to start utilizing the programme.

I hope this additional information is helpful. If you have any circumstantial questions or request more information about the program, go ahead and ask!