Pensioners living alone to get help paying for housing: income threshold 3,561 zloty

A housing allowance (dodatek mieszkaniowy) can be received by a person living alone if their average income is no more than 3,561.42 zloty a month; for a family, 2,671.07 zloty per person. It is granted for 6 months; in Warsaw the application is submitted to your district office. Both tenants and owners of housing are eligible. The pension itself does not include the allowance — an application is needed.

Income is counted for the three months before the application: for an October application, July, August and September. The pension is counted net of tax and health contribution; the “thirteenth” and “fourteenth” do not count as income.

The floor-area norm for one person is 35 m², which can be exceeded by 30% (up to 45.5 m²). If exceeded by up to 50% (52.5 m²), the rooms and kitchen must take up no more than 60% of the area.