Care allowance is available to people of a certain age or in a special health situation. The largest group of eligible people are retirees who, after reaching a certain age, receive the benefit automatically, without the need to submit an application.
ZUS provides care allowance to people who have limited or total inability to live independently. For persons under 75 years of age, it is necessary to submit an application together with an appropriate medical certificate. The oldest pensioners receive support automatically as an addition to their pension.
Who can receive care allowance?
Pursuant to the Act of 17 December 1998, The care allowance is granted to persons who meet one of two conditions: they have reached the required age (75 years) or they have been certified as incapable of living independently..
In the case of the latter group, it is necessary to submit an application and an OL-9 certificate confirming health status. This document is necessary to confirm incapacity to work and function independently.
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Care allowance is paid only to people who receive a pension or disability pension. This means that only beneficiaries of the pension scheme are entitled to the benefit.
Payment deadlines and new rules for care allowance
From March 1, 2026, the amount of the care allowance is PLN 366.68, which means an increase of almost PLN 20 compared to the previous rate. This benefit is transferred together with the pension or annuity, in accordance with the payment schedule.
It is worth remembering that ZUS may withhold payment of the care allowance even if all conditions are met.
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This situation occurs when the entitled person stays in a care and treatment or nursing and care facility for more than two weeks a month. Then the benefit will not be transferred.
Upcoming payout dates
In April, ZUS planned four more dates for payment of the care allowance, in accordance with the pension payment schedule. These are:
- April 10 (Friday),
- April 15 (Wednesday),
- April 20 (Monday),
- April 25 (Saturday – payment earlier on Friday, April 24).
