The government is working rapidly on the draft act on heating vouchers (UD286). The assumptions were presented in the second half of August, and on Thursday, September 4, the project was submitted to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers. If the government adopts it, the Sejm may pass the bill next week.
The heating voucher aims to support low-income households. According to the project justification, this will counteract energy poverty among the most needy.
Heating voucher. For whom? Income criterion
The heat protection measures are to cover the second half of 2025 and the entire year 2026.
The heating voucher will be awarded based on income criteria. It will be awarded to households that:
— in the case of single-person households: their income is equal to or lower than PLN 3,272.69 (40% of the average salary);
— in the case of multi-person households: their income is equal to or lower than PLN 2,454.52 (30% of the average salary) per person.
In addition, farms must use system (network) heat provided by the energy company and pay for heat above PLN 170/GJ.
Heating voucher 2025 – how much will it amount to? Amounts
The amount of the voucher will depend on the price of heat. In the second half of 2025, support will range from PLN 500 to PLN 1,750, depending on the gigajoule rate. The voucher amount will be:
- PLN 500 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 170/GJ and not higher than PLN 200/GJ (excluding VAT);
- PLN 1,000 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 200/GJ and not higher than PLN 230/GJ (excluding VAT;
- PLN 1,750 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 230/GJ (excluding VAT).
Heating voucher 2026 – how much will it amount to? Amounts
In turn, for the period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, the voucher will be awarded once in the amount of:
- PLN 1,000 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 170/GJ and not higher than PLN 200/GJ (excluding VAT);
- PLN 2,000 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 200/GJ and not higher than PLN 230/GJ (excluding VAT);
- PLN 3,500 — when the heat price is higher than PLN 230/GJ (excluding VAT).
Heating voucher. Income criterion and “PLN for PLN”
The “PLN for PLN” principle will also apply – the voucher will be awarded even if the income criterion is exceeded, but its amount will be reduced by the amount exceeded. The minimum voucher amount is PLN 20; below this amount the voucher will not be paid.
Heating voucher. Who accepts applications?
Applications for a voucher will be accepted by the commune head, mayor or city president competent for the applicant's place of residence.
Source: PAP, Ministry of Energy
