The purpose of the draft law amending the Law on Professional and Social Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities is to increase the monthly subsidy for the salary of a disabled employee financed by the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PFRON). Changes are also planned regarding the amount of the targeted subsidy from the state budget for this task.
More money for wage subsidies for employees with disabilities
Published Aug. 2, 2024 08:07
Fot. Getty Images/iStockphoto
As of 2022, the minimum wage in Poland has increased significantly - from PLN 3010 at the end of 2022 to the planned PLN 4300 in July 2024. The last amendment to the subsidy regulations took place in 2022, which means that they have not kept up with the increase in the minimum wage. This phenomenon negatively affects the employment of people with disabilities, who may be at risk of losing their jobs on the open labor market. The number of employees reported to be subsidized by the Rehabilitation Fund shows variability depending on the state of the law and the general economic climate. As of June 2023, the number of subsidized FTEs was about 206,100. Declines in the employment of disabled workers were observed in 2011 and 2020, related to the introduction of subsidy restrictions and the epidemic situation.
Proposed Changes
The recommended increase in the amount of the subsidy is intended to compensate for the disparities caused by the increase in the minimum wage. The proposed new rates are:
- Severe disability: PLN 2760 (previously PLN 2400)
- Moderate disability: PLN 1550 (previously PLN 1350)
- Light degree of disability: PLN 575 (previously PLN 500)
For those with certain medical conditions, such as mental illness, mental retardation, holistic developmental disorders or epilepsy, the amounts will also be increased.
Change of Purpose Grant
The proposed change to the earmarked subsidy from the state budget to support PFRON is to set the amount of the subsidy flexibly - up to 30% of planned expenses, instead of the fixed 30%. This change does not increase state budget expenditures, but allows for more efficient use of funds.
The introduction of new subsidy rates and a flexible approach to the targeted subsidy are intended to support the employment of people with disabilities. Vocational activation of this group is a key element of social policy, positively affecting their quality of life and opening up new opportunities for employers.
Source: RCL
