ZUS warns applicants against paying intermediaries for Poland's support benefit

Evolution of intermediary tactics

Poland's Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has alerted the public to commercial firms and legal agencies charging high fees to process support benefit applications. While representatives previously conducted unsolicited home visits to persons with disabilities, companies have shifted to mailing packages containing pre-filled contracts and powers of attorney. Many recipients visit branch offices with these documents under the mistaken belief that commercial representation is mandatory to complete the application. In several documented instances, intermediaries demanded up to 10,000 PLN or six times the monthly benefit amount for their assistance. In one case recorded by ZUS, an intermediary firm intercepted retroactive compensation and an initial payout totaling nearly 22,000 PLN.

Regional ZUS press officer for Warmia and Mazury, Anna Grabowska, advised the public against entering into commercial representation agreements.

I warn against hastily signing such documents. All formalities related to the benefit can be completed free of charge, and when submitting an application, one can ask the institution's employees for help.

Two-stage application structure

The complex structure of the benefit application process provides commercial intermediaries with opportunities to mislead vulnerable applicants. Claimants must complete a two-step procedure involving two separate administrative bodies. First, applicants submit paperwork to a regional disability evaluation board (WZON) to assess their daily assistance requirements. Following regulatory adjustments that took effect on 1 January 2026, the support level for first-time applicants is established from the date the WZON decision is issued, rather than the initial filing date. Claimants who receive a rating of at least 70 points out of 100 then submit an electronic claim to ZUS through eZUS, the government portal Emp@tia, or integrated electronic banking services.

Support benefit scale and eligibility

The financial value of the support benefit varies according to the specific point total awarded during the WZON assessment. Since 1 March 2026, the monthly payment ranges from a minimum of 792 PLN to a maximum of 4,353 PLN. Eligibility is restricted to individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older who meet the 70-point threshold. The institution clarified that the program is designed specifically for adults requiring daily living support, rather than functioning as a standard age-based pension add-on for seniors. Intermediaries frequently exploit confusion around these rules by falsely promising that paid representation will secure a higher point rating or increase the final monthly sum.

Free assistance and reporting channels

ZUS reiterated that disabled citizens do not need commercial third-party services to access state welfare programs. Administrative staff across all ZUS branch offices offer free guidance to complete and lodge necessary electronic documentation. Applicants who cannot manage the filing on their own can authorize a family member or other trusted individual without incurring legal fees.

Grabowska emphasized that appointed family representatives enjoy the same access to free institutional guidance.

If a person with a disability does not want to or cannot handle the matter independently, they can authorize a trusted person, such as a family member. A representative can also use free ZUS assistance.

ZUS advises individuals who receive suspicious correspondence or suspect fraudulent activity to notify their local branch. Inquiries can also be directed to the ZUS Customer Contact Centre by telephone at 22 560 16 00 or by email at cot@zus.pl, while suspected criminal extortion can be reported directly to the police.