Poland social assistance thresholds pose risks for medical debt

In Poland, strict income thresholds for social assistance are creating a crisis for families facing high medical costs. Current regulations set the income limit for a single person at 1,010 PLN and for family members at 823 PLN per person, effective January 1, 2025. This often excludes ‘poor millionaires’—individuals who own valuable property but lack the liquid income to afford non-reimbursed medical treatments.

To prevent families from falling into debt with predatory lenders, the Social Assistance Act allows for a ‘special purpose allowance’ in particularly justified cases. This non-repayable benefit can be granted even if income exceeds the standard thresholds, specifically to cover essential needs such as medication. However, the amount is capped at the existing income threshold levels.

The Office of Social Justice reports that many individuals are facing home foreclosures due to debts incurred while seeking life-saving medical care. While consumer bankruptcy can offer some protection for municipal tenants, homeowners face the risk of losing their properties to syndics, which can lead to family displacement and increased costs for the state foster care system.