Adults with disabilities can apply for assistance from ZUS in the form of a support benefit. Since the beginning of 2026, there have been significant changes in the entire support system, which may significantly affect the financial situation of thousands of people.
See also: Not only a permanent benefit. Here are the lesser-known benefits from MOPS in 2026.
The program is no longer niche and will also cover those who have moderate limitations in everyday functioning. The solution is intended to improve the quality of life and enable better adaptation of assistance to individual needs.
Who will receive support benefits in 2026?
As ZUS explains, from January 1, 2026, support benefits will be awarded to people who obtain at least 70 points in the assessment of the need for support. The assessment is carried out by the Provincial Disability Assessment Team (WZON). The support benefit was introduced in three stages:
- people who have been awarded between 87 and 100 points in the WZON decision may apply for the benefit from 2024,
- people who have been awarded 78 to 86 points in the WZON decision may apply for the benefit from 2025,
- people who have been awarded 70 to 77 points in the WZON decision may apply for the benefit from 2026.
This means that people with moderate difficulties will join the program, not just those in the most serious condition.
How to get support benefits in 2026
As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, for the final assessment of the level of support:
- what matters is the level of need for support, not the degree of disability,
- there is no income criterion,
- the money goes directly to the disabled person, not to the caregiver.
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It is worth remembering in advance that the benefit is not available to people receiving care allowance under the new rules or staying in 24-hour care facilities.
How much is the support benefit in 2026?
The amount of the support benefit depends on the number of points mentioned and is linked to the social pension. From March 2026, monthly payments will range from approximately PLN 792 (70-74 points) to approximately PLN 4,353 (95-100 points). The full scope of support from ZUS is as follows:
- 70-74 points (40% of social pension) – approx. PLN 786-792 gross
- 75-79 points (60% of social pension) – approx. PLN 1,180-1,183 gross
- 80-84 points (80% of social pension) – approx. PLN 1,573-1,577 gross
- 85-89 points (120% of social pension) – approx. PLN 2,360-2,365 gross
- 90-94 points (180% of social pension) – approx. PLN 3,540-3,548 gross
- 95-100 points (220% of the social pension) – approx. PLN 4,353 gross.
It is also worth remembering that these amounts will be indexed together with the social pension.
How and where to apply for support benefits?
As ZUS explains, an application for a support benefit can be submitted via:
- Emp@tia portal,
- PUE ZUS,
- electronic banking.
Importantly, the entire application process is two-stage. First, you must submit an application to WZON to determine the level of support need. Only after obtaining a decision – with the number of points entered – can you submit an electronic application for a support benefit to ZUS.
