What is the maximum period for claiming the 40 PLN per diem benefit for pensioner accommodation?

Update: 14.02.2023

In accordance with the special regulations introduced in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, entities that have provided accommodation and food for Ukrainian citizens at their own expense are eligible to claim a cash benefit for a period of up to 120 days. The period of payment eligibility can be extended in exceptional and duly justified cases. According to the legislation introduced, these special cases include, among others, citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 60 (women) or 65 (men). Thus, as a rule, the benefit can be claimed for a period of up to 120 days, but in the case of providing accommodation and meals to Ukrainian citizens above the ages stated above, this period may be extended.

It should be noted that all applications for the aforementioned benefit, as well as the extension thereof, should be submitted by the entities that provided accommodation and board to Ukrainian citizens.

Another form of assistance is the provision of accommodation and board to Ukrainian citizens by the Voivode. With respect to this form of assistance, please be reminded that in January 2023 the President of the Republic of Poland signed an amendment to the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of this State. 

According to the amendment, the assistance referred to above may be provided up to 120 days from the date of the first entry of a Ukrainian citizen into the territory of the Republic of Poland, after 120 days, assistance may be provided if the Ukrainian citizen has a PESEL number and has covered, in advance, 50 % of the cost of this assistance, no more than PLN 40 per person per day – the regulation will apply from March 1, 2023. After 180 days from the date of the first entry of a Ukrainian citizen into the territory of the Republic of Poland, the assistance referred to above may be provided if PESEL number by a citizen of Ukraine and covering by him, in advance, 75% of the costs of this assistance, not more than PLN 60 per person per day – this regulation comes into force on May 1, 2023.

However, the amendment to the Special Act indicates that the rules described above will not apply to:

• people with disabilities and people caring for them,
• people who are 60 (women) or 65 (men) years of age
• pregnant women,
• people bringing up a child up to 12 years of age,
• single people caring for more than two children,
• minors and temporary guardians of minors who came to Poland without an actual guardian or who were placed in Ukrainian foster care,
• others who are in a difficult situation, preventing them from contributing to the costs of assistance.