Poland begins phasing out social benefits for Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Photo: Deutsche Welle

On March 5, 2026, a law came into force in Poland setting out a phased rollback of social benefits for Ukrainian refugees living in the country. The new rules scale back a number of support measures that had been in place since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, European Conservative reported.

The law, passed by the Polish parliament in late January, provides for the gradual withdrawal of some forms of assistance. These include cuts to certain social payments, medical benefits, education support, and a number of administrative privileges previously granted to Ukrainian refugees.

Under the new rules, special medical benefits will largely remain in place for minors, employed refugees, and people in vulnerable categories. This includes victims of torture or sexual violence, as well as those living in collective accommodation centers. Food and housing assistance will also be focused primarily on the most vulnerable groups.

Polish government officials say the changes reflect a gradual move away from emergency support measures. Government spokesman Adam Szłapka said that four years on, the situation has become more stable, and the authorities now intend to shift from temporary solutions to more systemic forms of assistance.

The new rules will also affect education support. Free transportation to schools, financial assistance, and additional Polish-language classes for Ukrainian students will be funded only through the end of the current school year. At the same time, temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees in Poland will remain in effect at least until March 2027.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Orthodox Church in America had raised $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland.

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