Poland opens applications for 2026 heating voucher and school‑supply benefit

From 1 July 2026 Polish households can apply for a one‑time heating voucher (bon ciepłowniczy). The grant supports homes supplied by municipal or district heating networks whose net heat price exceeds 170 zł / GJ. The amount depends on the price: 1 000 zł for 170.01‑200 zł/GJ, 2 000 zł for 200.01‑230 zł/GJ and up to 3 500 zł when the price is above 230 zł/GJ. Eligibility also requires household net monthly income not to exceed 3 272.69 zł for a single‑person household or 2 454.52 zł per person in a multi‑person household. Applications are accepted until 31 August 2026 through local social welfare offices, e‑PUAP, gov.pl, mObywatel or paper submissions, and must be accompanied by a heat‑price certificate from the building manager.

Separately, the “Dobry Start” program provides a 300 zł cash grant for school‑age children. Eligible families can submit applications to ZUS electronically (mZUS, eZUS, Emp@tia) or via bank e‑services until the end of August, with payments made by 30 September. The benefit is available once per year for each child up to age 20 (or 24 for those with disabilities) attending any school, college or vocational institution, regardless of income. Both programmes aim to alleviate rising heating and education costs for Polish households.

There is no universal gas‑subsidy scheme for 2026; assistance for gas users is limited to energy‑efficiency and modernization programmes such as “Czyste Powietrze”.