Confirmation of disability in Poland

  • Poland and Ukraine do not have an agreement on mutual recognition of documents confirming the degree of disability (disability classes).
  • Currently, in the light of no specific legal solutions, disability assessment teams issue disability certificates and decide on a degree of disability with respect to Ukrainian citizens based on the same regulations as applicable for persons with the Polish citizenship.

How to confirm disability? The procedure step by step:

  1. Obtain a PESEL number (necessary to access free medical assistance).
     
  2. Make a visit to a general practitioner (take your medical records with you) to obtain a medical certificate on your current health status.

    Health documents drawn up in a language other than Polish should be translated by a sworn translator.  tlumaczedlaukrainy.pl/– a list of translators who can help translate medical records.
     

  3. Submit the application to the district disability assessment team competent for the applicant’s place of residence. The application must be accompanied by medical records, including a current health certificate, issued no earlier than 30 days before the date of application. Medical records may include, for example, hospital treatment information sheets, outpatient treatment records, results of additional diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, documents that may affect the determination of the degree of disability, if such are available, for example, specialist consultations, psychological and pedagogical opinions.

In the absence of medical records (from Ukraine), it is necessary to go through the process to determine the cause and existence of disability and its degree. More information about the process is found here:Uzyskaj orzeczenie o stopniu niepełnosprawności - Gov.pl - Portal Gov.pl (www.gov.pl).

The Special Act of 12 March 2022 introduced the possibility of creating programmes dedicated to people with disabilities funded by the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled People (PFRON). This allows the employer to obtain funds to support the employment of people with disabilities.

I would like to work. What should I know?

  • The working hours for people with moderate and severe degree of disability are 7 hours per day – 35 hours per week.
  • A person with moderate and severe degree of disability is entitled to 10 days of additional annual leave after working for a minimum of 12 months. 
  • Remember that your employer can benefit from PFRON subsidies if you have a current Polish disability certificate.
  • Remember that your employer prepares documents related to your employment and is obliged to pay due contributions resulting from the form of employment (taxes, health and social security contributions).
  • The best form of employment for you is an employment contract.
  • Remember that your employer should refer you for a medical examination (occupational medicine) as well as preliminary occupational health and safety training

Business activity for persons with disabilities.