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Guide · social assistance · legal status 07.2026

Social assistance for a foreigner

Which foreigners are eligible (art. 5 of the Social Assistance Act), which benefits are relevant, how the income criterion works and where disputes most often arise.

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🏠 Periodic allowance🧺 Purpose-specific allowance♿ Permanent allowance🏢 Housing supplement
Catalogue of the eligible

Which foreigners are eligible

The right to social assistance benefits belongs to a narrow, closed catalogue of foreigners (art. 5 of the Social Assistance Act) — most often persons with permanent residence, EU long-term resident status or temporary residence granted on specific grounds (e.g. as a family member of a Polish citizen).

Note: a temporary residence "and work" permit alone usually does not open the right to social assistance. The specific basis of residence decides.
Types

Which benefits may be relevant

Periodic allowance

In a difficult situation, e.g. due to long-term illness or unemployment, when income does not exceed the criterion.

Purpose-specific allowance

For a specific purpose — e.g. food, medicines, fuel, essential unforeseen expenses.

Permanent allowance

For persons unable to work due to age or disability who meet the criteria.

Housing supplement

On the basis of a separate act; depends on income and the size of the dwelling.

Income

Income criterion

Social assistance depends on income — an income criterion applies for a single-person household and for a person in a family, set periodically. Exceeding the threshold usually excludes the right to the allowance (with exceptions).

Risk

Where disputes arise

Most often at the intersection of the type of residence and the interpretation of the social assistance centre. The mere fact of working or legal residence is not enough if the provision requires a specific, expressly indicated residence title. That is why, before filing, it is worth checking the exact basis of residence.

Procedure

Documents and the social interview

The procedure usually includes a social interview conducted by a social worker. Prepare a residence document, documents confirming income and family situation and — if applicable — rulings and certificates.

Check whether you qualify for social assistance

The basis of residence is key here. Give your residence title — we will assess whether you fall within the catalogue of the eligible.

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FAQ

Questions and answers

Does temporary residence and work give the right to social assistance?
Usually not. Social assistance is available to a narrow catalogue of foreigners — the specific basis of residence decides.
Who is most often eligible?
Persons with permanent residence, EU long-term resident status or temporary residence granted on specific grounds.
Does assistance depend on income?
Yes, an income criterion applies, set periodically for a single person and for a person in a family.
What is the social interview?
It is a conversation and assessment of the situation carried out by a social worker, which conditions the granting of the benefit.
Legal basis

Legal basis and sources

Legal acts (as of July 2026)

  • Act of 12 March 2004 on social assistance (including art. 5 — the catalogue of eligible foreigners).
  • Act of 21 June 2001 on housing supplements.
  • Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners (the residence bases referred to in art. 5).
The content is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Conditions, requirements and thresholds are subject to change and depend on the individual situation (type of residence title, form of employment, ZUS registrations, income). Specific article numbers and current amounts require verification for a given case — we will gladly carry it out. Legal status: 07.2026.
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