On 21 June 2020, the law introducing the solidarity allowance for people who lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic entered into force. It is targeted at people whose contract was terminated after 15 March 2020, or whose fixed-term work contract ended after 15 March 2020. The benefits will be paid for three months in the amount of PLN 1,400 (about EUR 316) per month from June to August 2020. Foreigners residing in Poland are also entitled to this allowance.

Apart from EU nationals and their family members, foreigners who have the right to the solidarity allowance include:

• Foreigners holding a temporary residence permit or a visa issued in connection with work;
• Foreigners with the right to stay permanently in Poland, i.e. holders of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU residence permit;
• Foreigners that have protection in Poland, i.e. recognised refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection as well as holders of a permit granted for humanitarian reasons or a permit for tolerated stay, together with their family members.

The application for the solidarity allowance can only be submitted electronically on the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) website. During the payment of the solidarity allowance, unemployment benefits (which have been increased under the new law) are temporarily suspended.