Government spokesman Adam Szłapka announced the decision on Tuesday. The proposal now goes to parliament.
The bill was drawn up by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy together with the Office of the Government Commissioner for Disabled People.
The ministry says the new system would guarantee free, day-to-day support at home, work, school and in social life, regardless of where a person lives.
In Polish policy documents this service is called “personal assistance,” meaning a trained aide helps with practical tasks so the person can live more independently.
Applications for the right to assistance would open on January 1, 2027, with services expected to begin in April 2027.
The ministry estimates about 100,000 people would benefit.
At present, assistant services in Poland operate only through temporary programs run by the ministry for local governments and non-profits. There is no single system that guarantees access for everyone who needs it.
Eligibility would initially cover adults aged 18 to 65 who score at least 80 points on a standardized “need for support” scale.
From 2030, teenagers from age 13 would also be eligible.
Depending on individual needs, an assistant could work from 20 up to 240 hours a month, which corresponds to roughly eight hours a day at the highest level of support.
People using the service would be able to choose both the provider, a municipality or a non-governmental organization, and their individual assistant.
Support would be granted for one to three years at a time.
Assistants could help with daily activities such as getting around, shopping and going to work, school or medical appointments.
After training, they could also perform some basic medical-related tasks.
Assistant pay would range from PLN 49 (EUR 11.55, USD 13.40) to PLN 55 gross per hour, depending on the user’s needs. At full-time hours this could reach upwards of PLN 8,400 (EUR 1,980, USD 2,230) a month.
“The law supports people with disabilities and opens new opportunities for their families; many caregivers will be able to return to work, professional development and social activity,” the ministry said.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP