In a statement shared with the state PAP news agency, Gertruda Uścińska, head of Poland's Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), noted that President Andrzej Duda last week signed into law a bill on wide-ranging support for war refugees from Ukraine.
Under the new law, Ukrainians can apply for Poland’s flagship "500-plus" child benefit, the Family Welfare Capital allowance and help with the costs of paying for nursery care, among other benefits, Uścińska said.
“To apply, a refugee will have to possess the PESEL national identification number, a bank account and a Polish phone number,” she added.
Uścinska said on Wednesday that Ukrainians would be asked to apply electronically, to fast-track the procedure, and that application forms would be written in Ukrainian.
ZUS staff will help refugees fill out the forms, Uścinska added, noting that the application process would start soon.
Poland on Wednesday began granting PESEL numbers to refugees from Ukraine, officials told reporters.
Wednesday was day 21 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24.
Poland on Wednesday reported it had admitted nearly 1.9 million refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP