Poland rolls out new senior benefit cards with enhanced anti‑fraud features

From 13 July, Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) began issuing new designs for senior benefit cards – both the traditional plastic card and the electronic mLegitycja in the mObywatel app. The redesign follows new legal regulations and adds security measures such as guilloche patterns, micro‑print and a permanently engraved unique number on the PCV‑plastic card.

The electronic version no longer shows the issuing ZUS branch, simplifying its layout. Existing cards remain fully valid for the period indicated, and holders do not need to apply for replacements. ZUS issues the electronic card automatically to anyone gaining pension or disability entitlement, while the plastic card is provided on request. As ZUS spokeswoman Iwona Kowalska‑Matis explained, “the traditional plastic card gains modern safeguards that effectively protect the document against forgery.”