An energy voucher is a form of subsidy for seniors that is intended to help cover the costs of electricity and heating. The benefit will amount to an average of PLN 1,200 per year, paid in quarterly installments of PLN 300.
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As explained by Infor.pl, the program is aimed at people who: meet certain criteria, such as age (women over 60 and men over 65).), income (maximum PLN 2,525 gross per month per person) and living in a building with an individual heat source based on fossil fuels.
The new energy voucher is a response to EU regulations on CO2 emissions, including ETS2, i.e. the so-called heating tax. These regulations can significantly increase energy costs for households. Although Poland is trying to delay their introduction, the government is already preparing a shielding system to mitigate the effects on citizens.
PLN 1,200 support for seniors. When will the new program start?
Although the program was initially expected to start in 2025, the government confirmed that additional time was needed to prepare the system. For this reason – as Infor.pl explains – the first payments of the energy voucher are planned for 2027. The program is to operate for a minimum of 5 years.
Until the new program is launched the government extended the freezing of electricity pricesj. Until the end of 2025, the maximum energy price for households will apply – PLN 500/MWh.
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Additionally the introduction of a heating voucher was announced, which will cover households using district heatingmainly in blocks of flats and multi-family buildings. Details of this benefit are expected to be announced soon.
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will be responsible for managing the new energy voucher. This is where seniors will be able to submit applications for benefits, which will then be verified in terms of meeting income criteria and other requirements.
