Poland to launch new electronic social benefits system for Ukrainians in 2026

Poland is preparing for important changes in the social support system for Ukrainians. Soon, the application process will become fully digital, which will improve control and transparency of payments. Learn more about the new electronic system, which will be launched in 2026

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On 1 February 2026, a digital system of social benefits for Ukrainian citizens will start operating in Poland. It was created by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in cooperation with the Border Guard. The new mechanism is designed to ensure more accurate verification of eligibility for benefits and make the process more transparent.

We will tell you more about the changes that await Ukrainians below.

Useful information you should know about temporary protection in Poland in 2025 can be found at the link.

Transition to electronic applications for social assistance in Poland

All Ukrainians receiving social assistance will have to reapply using a new electronic form. The form will require the following information:

– the child's place of study;

– the applicant's professional status.

This will allow the authorities to verify data more quickly and reduce the risk of abuse.

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Why is a new social benefits system being introduced for Ukrainians in Poland?

According to Polish government officials, the changes have several key objectives:

– to improve the accuracy of information in databases;

– to prevent fraudulent receipt of benefits;

– to speed up the processing of applications and avoid delays in payments.

How Ukrainians in Poland can obtain the right to a Polish pension — we explained this in our previous article.

Transition period: how does ZUS see Ukrainians adapting to the new social benefits system?

The current rules will remain in force until 31 January 2026. A large-scale information campaign is planned during this time. It will help Ukrainians understand how to correctly apply under the new system. Important: during this period, payments will continue to be made without change.

About the new rules for receiving benefits under the ‘800+’, ‘Good Start’ and ‘Active Parents’ programmes in Poland — read here.

Possible reduction in the number of benefit recipients in Poland

The Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration does not rule out that after the launch of the system:

– some people will not reapply;

– some will not meet the new requirements.

It is preliminarily predicted that the number of benefit recipients may decrease by approximately 10% immediately after the launch, and this trend may continue in the future.

What is important for Ukrainians who want to keep receiving social assistance in Poland to know?

For Ukrainian citizens, the new system will be a mandatory condition for continuing to receive financial support. Therefore, it is worth doing the following in advance:

– follow ZUS announcements;

– prepare documents for re-submission;

– carefully read the terms and conditions of the electronic application.

Reminder! Poland is introducing monthly checks on the official employment of foreigners, including Ukrainians. The new measures are aimed at combating illegal employment, protecting workers' rights and increasing tax revenues. What are the monthly checks on employed Ukrainians in Poland related to? We explain this at the link.

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