Benefits, support, applications – a practical knowledge base for parents
In the Welcome Guide, you will find key information in the chapter “Practical guide to law and finances” that will help you navigate the maze of procedures step by step after receiving your child’s diagnosis. However, we understand that there are many formalities, regulations change, and new forms of support may raise questions. That is why we have gathered the most important current information for you here and will update it on an ongoing basis.
Frequently asked questions
The diagnosis of a disability or chronic illness in a child is a moment that raises many fears, questions, and doubts. Parents often feel lost in the maze of information and procedures, and finding answers to key questions can be overwhelming. We want to help in this process and answer the most frequently asked questions to make it easier to navigate the support system and help you take the right steps.
My child has been diagnosed with a disability by a medical professional. What are the first steps to take after receiving the diagnosis?
1. Make use of the Ustawa “Za życiem” (the “For Life” Act)
Thanks to the “Za Życiem” (the “For Life” Act), you can benefit from:
- priority when visiting specialists with your child,
- one-time financial support,
- support from a coordination, rehabilitation, and care center,
- support from a family assistant.
2. Obtain a disability certificate (PL: orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności)
A disability certificate entitles you to a range of benefits and other types of support.
3. Enrol your child in Early Developmental Support (PL: wczesne wspomaganie rozwoju)
Early Development Support (PL: WWR) is a program supporting children aged 0–7 or until the end of preschool education who, due to their illness or disability, experience greater difficulties in mastering certain skills than their peers.
As part of ECD, your child will be able to benefit from 4–8 hours per month of classes with a physical therapist, psychologist, speech therapist, or sensory integration therapist. You will also be able to seek help from specialists to learn how to best spend time with your child.
4. Access funds for your child through the 1.5% tax allocation and donations
Thanks to the 1.5% tax and donations, you can raise funds for therapy, equipment, or other needs of your child, gaining real support in everyday challenges.
Information on available forms of support can also be found on the Information Portal of the Support Service System financed by PFRON funds.
How to cope with a diagnosis of disability in a child?
Whether your child has just been diagnosed with a disability or chronic illness, you are in the process of diagnosis, or you heard about it during pregnancy, Powitalnik will help you understand the emotions that accompany it and take care of your well-being.
If, after reading the Welcome Guide, you feel that you need more support, please contact the Mudita Association, which supports parents of children with disabilities.
Check out the available forms of support or contact us.
Let us know how we can help you. We are here for you and will do everything we can to support you.
I have doubts about whether my child is developing properly. What should I do?
We often receive questions from you that begin with the words: “I think there is something wrong with my child” or “I am concerned about my child’s development.” It is completely natural that as parents, we want the best for our children and try to notice any signs of their needs. At times like these, it is worth seeking support and understanding to help you take the next steps.
1. Observe and write down your observations: Pay attention to any details that concern you – how your child behaves on a daily basis, what changes you notice in their behavior, development, or well-being. Notes often help when talking to a doctor or specialist.
2. Consultation with a paediatrician: The first step should be to see a paediatrician, who can assess your child’s health and possibly refer you to a specialist. It is worth talking about your concerns, as your doctor can order the appropriate tests and refer you to further specialists.
3. Visit to specialists: If the paediatrician deems it necessary, they may refer you to a psychologist, neurologist, speech therapist, or other specialists who will be able to diagnose the situation more accurately.
4. Emotional support: Remember that you are not alone. Contact organizations that offer help to parents who are experiencing similar concerns.
How to obtain a disability certificate for a child?
- Fill out the application form, which you can find on the website of the district or municipal disability assessment team (enter “application for a child disability certificate” and the name of your city or district in the search engine). Please note that each city or district has a different application form.
- Obtain a certificate from a doctor (Appendix 4). Ask for help from a doctor who knows your child and is aware of all their problems. This certificate is valid for 30 days.
- Gather all medical documents that confirm your child’s health problems.
- Submit all documents to the county or city disability assessment team according to your place of permanent residence.
- After some time, you will receive a summons to appear before the adjudication committee. You must attend with your child. If your child cannot come with you for health reasons, go alone, but bring a doctor’s certificate explaining why your child cannot be present.
- You will receive information to your home address about whether or not your child has been granted disability status at your home address.
- You may disagree with the decision and appeal it. Appeals can be made to the provincial disability assessment committee, and later, if necessary, to the court.
Detailed information on the process of obtaining a disability certificate, valuable tips, and information on benefits, concessions, and discounts to which you are entitled with this certificate can be found in the Welcome Guide, in the chapter “Practical guide to law and finances” on page 100.
We encourage you to visit the government website, where you will find additional information on this topic.
One important issue is the validity period of the disability certificate. The medical commission’s decision specifies how long the certificate is valid for – it may be issued for a fixed period or indefinitely if the child has a condition that is on the list of diseases entitling them to a permanent certificate. In most cases, however, it is necessary to appear before subsequent commissions, in accordance with the set date.
You can find a list of diseases entitling you to a permanent disability certificate in the article:
What benefits can you receive for a child with a disability?
In the chapter “Practical guide to law and finances” in the Welcome Book (pp. 93-114), you will find information about the available forms of support and tips on how to use them. You will learn, among other things, how to apply for:
care allowance (PL: świadczenie pielęgnacyjne) (PLN 3,287) – monthly financial support for a parent or guardian of a person with a disability,
care benefit (PL: zasiłek pielęgnacyjny) (PLN 215.84) – financial support that you can receive to cover expenses related to providing proper care for your child,
one-time financial support (PLN 4,000) – if you have a medical certificate, under the “Za życiem” Act, you are entitled to a one-off cash benefit,
family benefit (PL: zasiłek rodzinny) + Supplement for the education and rehabilitation of a child with a disability (PL: dodatek z tytułu kształcenia i rehabilitacji dziecka niepełnosprawnego – in order to receive family allowance and supplements to family allowance, you must meet the income criterion. For families with a child with a disability certificate, the criterion is PLN 764 net per family member.
Need more information about benefits and available assistance? Check out this page too:
What kind of school should I look for for my child?
Where to begin?
If your child has a disability, the first step is to visit a psychological and pedagogical counselling center. There, specialists will conduct a detailed diagnosis and issue a decision on the need for special education. The document will include a recommendation regarding the type of school, but it is the parents who make the final decision on the choice of institution.
Important: if you disagree with the content of the decision, you have 14 days to appeal to the board of education.
Which school should I choose?
Parents can choose from three types of schools:
Mainstream school – a public institution accepting students living in its catchment area.
Inclusive school or school with inclusive classes – education in smaller classes (15–20 students, of whom 3–5 are children with a special educational needs certificate).
Special school – an institution for students with disabilities.
Remember! As a parent, you decide which school your child will attend.
What to do if a school refuses to admit your child?
According to the regulations, the principal of a district school cannot refuse to admit a child living in its catchment area. Refusal in secondary school is only possible if the student does not meet the admission requirements. If the school claims that there are no places available, another institution that can provide the child with appropriate support should be found.
The school principal is required to provide students with a special education needs certificate with adapted teaching methods and remedial classes.
Does the municipality provide transportation to school for children with disabilities?
The municipality is obliged to provide students with disabilities with free transport and care on their way to the nearest school that meets their needs.
Parents may also transport their child themselves – in which case they may apply for reimbursement of travel expenses on the basis of an agreement with the municipality.
Children attending special care and education centers are guaranteed free transportation until they complete their education, up to a maximum age of 25.
Source:
Based on the Avalon Foundation article “Students with disabilities – what is worth remembering?” by Agnieszka Harasim. [link to article]
Am I entitled to additional maternity leave if my child stays in hospital after birth?
The new regulations provide for the possibility of taking additional maternity leave of up to 8 or 15 weeks.
The length of the additional leave depends on the time of birth, the birth weight of the child, and the length of hospitalization.
Additional leave is available to parents of:
- children born before the 28th week of pregnancy or weighing less than 1000 g – they are entitled to up to 15 weeks of leave,
- children born between the 28th and 37th week of pregnancy, with a birth weight above 1000 g – they can receive up to 8 weeks of leave,
- children born at term who require hospitalization – also up to 8 weeks of leave.
- In addition, for each week the child spends in hospital, the parent is entitled to an additional week of leave.
Who is a personal assistant for a disabled person, and is my child entitled to one?
A personal assistant for persons with disabilities (PL: AOON) is a person who supports your child in their daily functioning. The aim of this service is to increase the independence of persons with disabilities. The assistant does not do everything for them, but accompanies them, supports them, and gives them space to develop.
Who can benefit from the support of an assistant?
– children with a disability certificate
– children with a certificate of severe or moderate disability (if they are over 16 years of age)
Regardless of family income, the program is free of charge.
How can an assistant help?
How can an assistant help?
- Leaving the house to go to school, the doctor, therapy, for a walk, or to the cinema.
- Traveling by public transport.
- Developing the child’s interests outside the home.
- Accompanying the child in social situations.
- Functioning independently in public spaces.
- The assistant does not perform medical procedures (e.g., administering medication).
Where can I go for support?
- Contact your local municipal or city office (Department of Social Affairs, Social Assistance Center, County Family Assistance Center).
- Ask about participating in the “Personal Assistant for Persons with Disabilities – 2025 edition” program. Request an application form and information about available support hours.
- You can also ask local non-governmental organizations – some NGOs provide AOON services in cooperation with the municipality (e.g., associations, foundations supporting people with disabilities).
What does respite care look like and who can benefit from it?
Respite care is a form of support that gives you—as a parent or caregiver of a person with a disability—time to rest, recharge, and take care of your own needs. Its main purpose is to relieve you of the burden of daily care and show you that you don’t have to do everything on your own.
Who can benefit from the support of a guardian?
- Caregivers of children and adults with a severe disability certificate or equivalent certificate (in the case of children – a disability certificate with appropriate indications),
- persons who provide round-the-clock care for a person with a disability, regardless of their income situation.
- Respite care under the government program is free of charge.
How can a caregiver help?
- Providing basic care (hygiene, food, safety) and assistance with daily activities.
- Respite care can also be provided in the form of respite trips or stays at a center that implements the program.
Where can I go for support?
- At your local municipal/city office or social welfare center – ask about the “Respite Care – 2025 Edition” program.
- At non-governmental organizations that implement this program in your area – e.g., foundations and associations working for people with disabilities.
- On the website of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy – there you will find lists of program implementers.
Application forms
The “For Life” Act (PL: Ustawa “Za życiem”)
Disability certificate (PL: orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności)
Care allowance (PL: świadczenie pielęgnacyjne)
Care benefit (PL: zasiłek pielęgnacyjny)
Family benefit (PL: zasiłek rodzinny i dodatek z tytułu kształcenia i rehabilitacji dziecka niepełnosprawnego)
Early Developmental Support (PL: wczesne wspomaganie rozwoju)
Perinatal hospices
The diagnosis of a disability or chronic illness in a child is a moment that raises many concerns, questions, and doubts. Parents often feel lost in the maze of information and procedures, and finding answers to key questions can be overwhelming. We want to help you through this process and answer the most frequently asked questions to make it easier for you to navigate the support system and take the right steps.
Lower Silesian Voivodeship
Wrocław Children’s Hospice Foundation
ul. Sołtysowicka 58, 51-168 Wrocław
www.hospicjum.wroc.pl
fundacja@hospicjum.wroc.pl
tel. +48 511 450 966
Perinatal Hospice Formuła Dobra
ul. Benedyktyńska 12, 50-350 Wrocław
www.formuladobra.pl
perinatalne@formuladobra.pl
tel. +48 661 269 111
Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
Perinatal Care Center
Bydgoszcz
www.perinatalne.bydgoszcz.pl
malgorzata.bronka@perinatalne.bydgoszcz.pl
tel. +48 609 199 992
Lublin Voivodeship
Lublin Children’s Hospice
ul. Lędzian 4, 20-828 Lublin
www.hospicjum.lublin.pl
perinatalne@hospicjum.lublin.pl
tel. 81 537 13 73
Lubusz Voivodeship
ul. Gen. M. Langiewicza 39, 65-740 Zielona Góra
www.fundacjacentrumrodziny.pl
fundacjacentrumrodziny@gmail.com
tel. +48 665 933 535
ul. Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra
ul. Pszenna 2, 68–200 Żary
Łódź Voivodeship
Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Masovian Voivodeship
Opole Voivodeship
Subcarpathian Voivodeship
Podlaskie Voivodeship
Pomeranian Voivodeship
ul. Ugory 9, 80-663 Gdańsk
www.hospicjumtulipani.pl
tulipani@pomorzedzieciom.pl
tel. +48 588 855 111
ul. Dickmana 7, Gdynia
www.hospicjum.gdynia.pl
sekretariat@hospicjum.gdynia.pl
tel. +48 660 299 442
ul. Kopernika 17C, 80-208 Gdańsk
www.hospicjum.info
b.krol@hospicjum.info
tel. +48 784 435 882
Silesian Voivodeship
ul. Św. Anny 10/2, 40-422 Katowice
www.hope.katowice.pl
info@hope.katowice.pl
tel. +48 691 486 747
ul. L. Markiefki 87, 40-211 Katowice
www.bcmbonifratrzy.pl
h.perinatalne@bonifratrzy.katowice.pl
tel. +48 32 461 63 62
ul. Jaroszowicka 113, 43-100 Tychy
www.shd.org.pl/hospicjum-perinatalne
swietlikowo@shd.org.pl
tel. +48 32 447 36 84
Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship
Caritas Hospice of the Diocese in Kielce
ul. Księcia Mieszka I 48C, 25-624 Kielce
www.hospicjumdladzieciwkielcach.pl
koordynator@hospicjumdladzieciwkielcach.pl
tel. +48 784 598 315
Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship
ul. Kromera 5, 10-129 Olsztyn
www.hospicjumdladzieci.caritas.pl
hospicjumdladzieci@caritas.pl
tel. (089) 534-00-50
Greater Poland Voivodeship
Perinatal Palliative Care at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital of the Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznań
ul. Polna 33, 60-535 Poznań
www.gpsk.ump.edu.pl/pl/perinatalna-opieka-paliatywna
tel. 61 841 95 56
ul. Kosińskiego 14/1, 61-519 Poznań
www.hospicjumrazem.pl
kontakt@hospicjumrazem.pl
tel. +48 666 055 475
West Pomeranian Voivodeship
ul. Pokoju 77, 71-740 Szczecin
www.hospicjumjestem.pl
kontakt@hospicjumjestem.pl
tel. +48 665 006 444
al. Powstańców Wlkp. 66/68, 70-111 Szczecin
www.zhdd.pl
info@zhdd.pl
tel. 91 486 93 30