Get social assistance when money is tight in Poland

A social worker looks at your situation before help is decided

Your town or commune runs a social welfare centre that gives social assistance, known as pomoc społeczna. Help can mean money for a specific need, but also advice, meals, shelter or care at home. A social worker visits you to assess your situation. Foreign residents can use it too, depending on their residence status, so say at the start which one you have.

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How it works

Get social assistance

Find local help if you cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs.

If you cannot cover basic living costs such as rent, food or energy, your local social services can assess what help you are entitled to. Support can include a monthly allowance, emergency payments, help with debts or housing, and advice. You usually start with an intake appointment at the office that serves your address. Bring your ID, proof of address and information about your income, savings, rent and household. Each type of support has its own conditions, and the office decides after assessing your situation.

Also searched as

social assistancesocial welfaresocial servicesfinancial helpemergency financial helpminimum incomehelp paying rent

At a glance

Offices
191 offices in 36 cities
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At 10 of 191 offices

Phone first to check that your street is covered

Social welfare centres that can help you

Welfare centres in Poland are organised by area, and a city may have several teams. Open a centre to see how to reach a social worker and what to say about your situation. Check opening times and booking rules before you travel.

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Welfare centres that give social assistance

Browse social welfare centres by city, check which team serves your street and learn how to reach a social worker.

Social welfare centres in Poland

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