Poland launches "Senior Voucher" program for elderly support

Poland is set to implement the "Senior Voucher" program starting August 7, offering financial support to citizens aged 65 and older. To receive this benefit, seniors must sign an agreement with their local municipality, outlining the specific support they require. The program's design aims to tailor assistance to individual needs, ensuring that the voucher addresses unmet daily living requirements.

The scope of support provided by the voucher will be determined by an assessment of the senior's needs. This includes assistance with mobility, nutrition, dressing, personal hygiene, medication management, household chores, and maintaining social and intellectual engagement. The agreement between the senior and the municipality will precisely define the services covered, ensuring that the support is adapted to local conditions and the individual's circumstances.

The "Senior Voucher" program will be financed by the state budget, with a total allocation of one billion Polish zloty (approximately $250 million USD) planned for the years 2026-2028. Municipalities will receive these funds through targeted subsidies. Priority for funding will be given to municipalities that currently do not offer public care services, followed by those serving a maximum of 10 individuals, and then those with the highest projected increase in their senior population.

Crucially, municipalities will not be permitted to use the senior voucher funds to replace existing care services. The voucher itself is a non-cash benefit intended for temporary, short-term assistance, lasting no more than two weeks. It can cover help with dressing, meal preparation, maintaining order, facilitating health service access, and fostering social connections. Eligibility requires being over 65, a citizen of Poland or the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK, and having an average income not exceeding 3,410 Polish zloty (approximately $850 USD).

The program is designed for gradual implementation, initially focusing on municipalities that have not yet established public care services for seniors. This phased approach aims to ensure effective rollout and resource allocation. The regulation detailing the program's specifics was prepared by Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, the government's plenipotentiary for senior policy.