According to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), today the last pensioners received support from the state in the amount of 1100 PLN gross (888 PLN by hand) under the "Retirement Plus" program. There are approx. 9.72 million.

In the explanatory memorandum to the bill adopted by the Sejm on April 4 this year, the Ministry of the Family explains that the purpose of the one-off cash benefit, in addition to helping pensioners, is specifically to reduce wealth disparities in society. Despite the fact that many changes have been made in recent years to protect the level of pension benefits, this assistance is still considered insufficient. The 13th pension will go to more than 9.8 million seniors, including nearly 7 million pensioners and more than 2.5 million disability pensioners.

- Thirteen is a tribute to our fathers, grandfathers, the generations that raised us for today's functions and responsibilities. We are looking for a recipe to support those who need it most. Lech Kaczynski said many years ago that he envisions solidarity as the ability to share. Until now, elderly people living in different parts of Poland had no support. Law and Justice Law is trying to address this long-standing backlog - emphasized Marek Kuchciński, Speaker of the Sejm.

The elderly are a group in particular need of state assistance. The Ministry of Family Affairs, taking into account demographic changes in Polish society, has been consistently implementing senior citizen policy, introducing programs to support and develop seniors, such as:

Restoring the retirement age: 60 years for women, 65 for men

The law only specifies the minimum age at which the right to a pension can be exercised. It allows each insured person to decide for themselves when to stop working

"Medicines 75 Plus" project, i.e. free medicines for seniors over 75

• 2.2 million seniors have already benefited from free medication
• PLN 564 million for project implementation in 2017
• 40 million free medicine packs issued to seniors
• 15 million filled prescriptions with the eligibility code "S"
• 1530 items on the list of 75 plus drugs

The "Senior Plus" Multiannual Program for the years 2015 - 2020

The Program is addressed to local government units. Its objective is to increase active participation of seniors in social life by expanding the network of "Senior+" Day Care Centers and "Senior+" Clubs

"Accessibility Plus" Program

23 billion The project's goal is to improve the living conditions of elderly and disabled people. The aim of the project is to improve living conditions of the elderly, frail and disabled

Pension valorization

The lowest benefits will be raised respectively to PLN 1100 (from PLN 1029.80) and PLN 825 (in the case of the lowest partial disability pension)

Old-age and disability pensions paid out by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will increase by the index of valorization - 2.86%, but not less than PLN 70.

Reinstatement of PKS

The law restoring the bus service will come into force at the turn of April and May this year. Local governments will have to actively participate in its implementation.

The fight against transport exclusion will be carried out in two ways: through the Road Fund and the restoration of transport links where they have been eliminated due to lack of profitability.

"Social Policy for the Elderly 2030".

Adopted by the Council of Ministers on October 26, 2018, document provides:

• Shaping a positive perception of old age in society.
• Participate in community life and support all forms of civic, social, cultural, artistic, sporting and religious activities.
• Creating conditions that make it possible to use the potential of older people as active participants in economic life and the labor market, adapted to their psychophysical capabilities and family situation.
• Health promotion, disease prevention, access to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Increasing physical safety - addressing elder abuse and neglect.
• Creating conditions for intergenerational solidarity and integration.
• Actions for education for old age (care and medical personnel), to old age (whole society), through old age (from the youngest generation) and education in old age (elderly people). 
• Reduce the extent of dependence on others by facilitating access to services that enhance independence and adapting the residential environment to the functional capabilities of dependent older adults.
• Ensure optimal access to health, rehabilitation, and care services tailored to the needs of dependent older adults.
• A network of community and institutional services provided to dependent older adults.
• The system of support of informal caregivers of dependent elderly people by public institutions. 

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