Poland expands senior voucher and rental assistance

The Polish government is preparing two linked measures to support older citizens. A senior voucher (bon senioralny) will be offered to residents aged 65 or older whose net monthly income does not exceed 3,410 zł. The voucher will not be a cash payment but will fund specific home‑care services for up to two weeks, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, dressing assistance and help accessing health benefits. Municipalities will be tasked with monitoring service quality and setting standards for caregivers.

At the same time, a draft amendment to the rent‑senior scheme broadens eligibility to include people with disabilities who have mobility difficulties. Critics say the proposal lacks concrete standards for the size, accessibility and location of the housing, as well as guarantees of proximity to doctors, public transport and family support. Local governments could set additional conditions by ordinance, but such requirements would not be mandatory. Social organisations are urging the inclusion of income thresholds, minimum accessibility criteria and cost assessments before the reforms are enacted.