From March 2026, some retirees associated with the Volunteer Fire Department can count on an additional PLN 288 per month. Importantly, the money does not come from ZUS, but from the Pension and Disability Insurance Institution of the Ministry of Interior and Administration. The funds mentioned are a rescue allowance that some seniors are entitled to for life.
Although formally this benefit has been on the list of financial support for several years, many people still do not know about it. Receiving the rescue benefit does not require meeting income criteria.
Rescue benefit 2026. Who will receive PLN 288 pension supplement?
The rescue allowance is real financial support for seniors who have been socially involved in rescue operations for years.
This is a form of appreciating the many years of service of volunteers in the Volunteer Fire Department, as well as mountain rescuers. It aims to support people who have been risking their health and lives for years by helping others.
The amount of the benefit is indexed, and at the same time the support is not taxed. The lack of automatic granting means that many eligible people lose money due to ignorance or delays in submitting applications.
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As “Gazeta Prawna” reminds, the benefit is available to women over 60 years of age with at least 20 years of experience in shares and men over 65 years of age with at least 25 years of experience in shares.
The key is actual participation in rescue operations, confirmed by documentation or witness statements. Importantly, what counts is the total period of activity, which does not have to be continuous. It is also important that membership in the Volunteer Fire Department itself is not sufficient to apply for rescue benefits.
Many seniors do not remember about this benefit
As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, the most difficult thing in the process of applying for rescue benefits is documenting older periods of service, especially from before 2011. The act then allows statements from three witnesses, including one public figure.
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Many seniors postpone the formalities, not knowing that the benefit is available only from the month of submitting the application.
From March 1, 2026, the rescue benefit amounts to PLN 288 per month, or PLN 3,456 per year. The Pension and Disability Insurance Institution of the Ministry of Interior and Administration is responsible for the payments, and the money is usually transferred to the account by the 15th day of each month.
Rescue benefit. How to apply for pension supplement?
The application for the benefit should be submitted to the district or municipal fire service commander responsible for the fire service unit. The application template is specified in the regulation of the Minister of Interior of February 2, 2022, available on the website of the Government Legislation Center.
The application must be accompanied by statements from three witnesses who confirm their participation in rescue operations. One of the witnesses must hold a public function or work in an office. The rescue benefit is paid by the Pension and Disability Insurance Institution of the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
People who submitted an application within 9 months of the entry into force of the Act may receive the benefit with compensation from that moment on, if they meet the conditions.
