Heating Vouchers Now Available for Eligible Polish Seniors
WARSAW, POLAND - A new heating voucher programme, frequently enough referred to as ”New 500 plus,” is now accepting applications from eligible seniors in Poland. The program aims to provide financial assistance with heating costs for individuals receiving a monthly pension not exceeding PLN 3,272.69.
The voucher amounts are tiered based on heating costs:
* PLN 500 – if heating costs are not higher than PLN 200/GJ net
* PLN 750 – if heating costs are between PLN 200/GJ net and PLN 230/GJ net
* PLN 3,500 – if heating costs exceed PLN 230/GJ net.
Though, officials anticipate the majority of recipients will receive the PLN 500 voucher, given that system heat prices in Poland typically fall closer to PLN 170/GJ. In 2026, these amounts will increase to PLN 1,000, PLN 1,750, and PLN 3,500 respectively.
the program operates on a “PLN for PLN” principle, meaning benefits are reduced proportionally if income exceeds the eligibility threshold, but will not be issued if the calculated benefit falls below PLN 20.
Notable Dates & Application Process:
Applications for the period of July 1 to December 31, 2025, are currently being accepted.The recruitment period began on November 3, 2025, and will close on December 15, 2025. Applications for the period of January 1 to December 31,2026,will be accepted from July 1 to August 31,2026.
Applications must be submitted to the commune head, mayor, or city president of the applicant’s place of residence.
Failure to submit an application within the specified timeframe will result in forfeiture of the benefit.
in multi-person households, the voucher will be paid to the first applicant. Additionally, households sharing a single heating bill at one address are limited to one voucher. The commune office will determine household size and address eligibility at the time of application.
The program is based on the Act of september 12, 2025 on heating vouchers and amending certain acts in order to limit the level of electricity prices (Journal of Laws of 2025, item 1302).