What kind of social assistance from the Social Assistance Centers are refugees from Ukraine entitled to now, and do the Social Assistance Centers have to write an integration plan with each refugee to provide assistance?

Access to social assistance benefits will depend on the basis of the person’s stay in Poland.

It is necessary to determine whether a given person is covered by the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in Connection with an Armed Conflict in the Territory of that State, or by Temporary Protection on the basis of a decision of the European Union. For this purpose, see points 1 and 13 of our guide The Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens: https://ukraina.interwencjaprawna.pl/the-act-on-assistance-for-ukrainian-citizens/

Persons covered by the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens are entitled to social assistance benefits on the same terms as Polish citizens. It is necessary to obtain a PESEL number first [Article 29 Paragraph 1 Act of March 12, 2022 on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with an armed conflict in the territory of that state (Journal of Laws, item 583, as amended)].

Social assistance benefits are also available to Ukrainian citizens legally residing in Poland on a different basis, if their family member has returned to Ukraine [Article 30 of above Act].

ATTENTION! Social assistance benefits may also be granted to Ukrainian citizens who are legally residing in Poland on a different basis (regardless of when they entered Poland), and whose family members returned to Ukraine. The entitlement to individual social assistance benefits depends on the individual financial situation of the foreigner.

Persons under temporary protection but not covered by the above law are unfortunately not entitled to social assistance benefits.

However, these persons are entitled to support in terms of medical assistance, accommodation and board or assistance in the form of a cash benefit. These aids are granted for a period of not less than 2 months, but for no longer than the period of validity of the certificate (confirming temporary protection).

Assistance in the form of accommodation and board also includes such forms of support as: 

1) permanent cash assistance for the purchase of personal care and hygiene products or personal care and hygiene products;

2) assistance in the form of learning the Polish language and basic materials necessary to learn the language;

3) teaching aids for children receiving education and care in public institutions, primary schools or secondary schools;

4) the financing of journeys by public transport

a) for medical treatment or to receive preventive vaccinations,

b) in other particularly justified cases.

A cash equivalent shall be provided for the boarding of a child under 6 years of age or of a pupil in a primary or secondary school.

Social assistance benefits can also be granted to people who have refugee status in Poland, a permanent residence permit, and subsidiary protection. To a limited extent, also persons with a residence permit for humanitarian reasons or a tolerated stay permit.