Poles in crisis usually go to MOPS, i.e. the Municipal Social Welfare Center. And rightly so, because it is an institution that offers quick and multidimensional support. However, contrary to popular opinion, this institution can not only provide various types of benefits. The range of aid methods is much wider.
See also: Who is entitled to unemployment benefits? Key terms and exceptions
MOPS operates on the basis of the Social Assistance Act and the statute granted by the commune council. Support can be provided to people and families with low incomes, seniors, people with disabilities, victims of violence, the homeless and children in difficult situations. Foreigners living in Poland can also count on certain forms of support.
The text continues below the video
The assistance offered by MOPS includes cash benefits (permanent, periodic, targeted, special), benefits in kind, care services, counseling and crisis intervention.
MOPS and social assistance. Forms of support offered by the center
The budget of MOPS in large cities exceeds PLN 250 million annually. Approximately 156,000 people work in Poland. social workers who carry out the main tasks of MOPS:
- analysis of social needs and development of local support programs,
- coordination of family assistants and social workers,
- organization of day support centers (community centers, senior clubs),
- development and implementation of strategies for counteracting poverty and social integration,
- supervision over protection activities for victims of domestic violence.
Designated tasks for MOPS are most often carried out in the form of benefits:
- permanent allowance — benefit for people who are completely unable to work due to age or disability,
- periodic allowance — cash benefit for persons or families with income lower than the statutory criterion, intended to cover necessary needs (long-term illness, unemployment, disability),
- targeted allowance and special targeted allowance — one-off financial assistance to meet necessary needs (food, medicines, fuel), granted to single people with an income of up to PLN 1,010 or in a family with an income of up to PLN 823 per person,
- benefit and loan for economic independence — one-off support for people in difficult situations, making it easier to take up a job or start a business (e.g. purchase of tools, training). It may take the form of a targeted benefit (up to approximately PLN 2,066 in 2025) or an interest-free loan with the possibility of forgiveness,
- assistance for becoming independent and continuing education;
- cash benefit for maintenance and covering expenses related to learning Polish for foreigners who have obtained refugee status in the Republic of Poland, subsidiary protection or a temporary residence permit granted on the basis of the Act on Foreigners;
- remuneration due to the guardian for providing care awarded by the court.
See also: A senior receiving these two supplements could lose money. It's worth knowing the difference
Importantly, help from MOPS is not limited to monetary support. In accordance with statutory provisions, this institution also provides assistance in the following areas:
- social work;
- credit ticket;
- health insurance premiums;
- social security contributions;
- material aid, including for economic independence;
- arranging a funeral;
- specialist counseling;
- crisis intervention;
- shelter;
- meal;
- necessary clothing;
- care services at home, in support centers and in family care homes;
- specialized care services at home and in support centers;
- sheltered housing;
- staying in a social welfare home.
To receive assistance, you must submit an application (in person, by phone or via ePUAP), attach the required documents and undergo a community interview. The decision is usually issued within 30 days. The amount of benefits depends on your life and income situation.
