A support benefit is real financial assistance for adults with disabilities. You can receive assistance from ZUS only if you meet certain criteria and submit the application correctly. One mistake in particular can be extremely costly, as the Social Insurance Institution warns.
See also: They take money for something that is free. ZUS is sounding the alarm
As a reminder: the benefit is available to disabled people over 18 years of age who have a decision on the need for support of at least 70 points. The assessment is carried out by the Provincial Disability Assessment Team (WZON).
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.
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The support benefit is not available to people staying in 24-hour care facilities or receiving similar benefits abroad.
Support benefit in 2026. ZUS warns against a cardinal mistake
In mid-March, the Social Insurance Institution published a communiqué in which it appeals to people with disabilities and their relatives to be careful with paid offers of assistance in obtaining support benefits. ZUS clearly explains that one mistake when applying for a support benefit is enough to lose up to PLN 22,000. zloty.
See also: PLN 7,000 from ZUS. The new rules are already in force
An example of a fateful mistake when applying for a support benefit is the situation of a client who signed a contract with intermediaries. ZUS explains that the office's representatives visit people with disabilities, often older people, who do not always read the signed documents carefully. It happens that only later do they learn about high fees that could be spent on treatment or rehabilitation.
The most costly error in a support benefit application
This was the case with the client who signed a contract with the law firm and granted her a power of attorney. Compensation and first payment of benefits – almost PLN 22,000. PLN – transferred to the law firm's account. Only after the settlement, the law firm submitted documents to ZUS to change the account and revoke the power of attorney.
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ZUS reminds you that you do not have to use paid services of a law firm or intermediary. You can submit the application yourself online or with free assistance from ZUS employees. A person with a disability may also authorize a trusted person, e.g. a family member, who will also receive support at the facility.
Common errors in applications for support benefits
Applicants also make other mistakes when applying for support benefits. As Vestra.info explains, very often people with disabilities submit an application without obtaining a decision on the level of support need issued by WZON.
Another problem is the incorrect order in which documents are submitted. The first institution should be the Provincial Disability Assessment Team, and only then ZUS.
See also: A senior receiving these two supplements could lose money. It's worth knowing the difference
Other mistakes that are made when applying for a support benefit include failure to report the caregiver's resignation from the care benefit, failure to take into account the current scoring schedule, and submission of applications by the children's parents (the benefit is only available to adults). Any of these errors may result in the denial of benefits.
