The following is a case study of a Polish pension recipient who successfully applied for financial assistance from the Office of Veterans and Victims of Oppression (known as “UdSKiOR”) in Poland. The case study is real, but the beneficiary’s name and biographical details has been redacted for privacy purposes. We offer this case study in order to help guide other Polish pension beneficiaries and their families and social workers in the process of applying for similar financial assistance.

Background

Ms. T. is an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who receives the Polish pension. She lost her husband in 2023, and lives alone in a house in Pennsylvania, USA. She suffers from various medical ailments and takes medication for them. She has some but limited social support. Ms. T.’s income consists of US Social Security, the Polish pension, and a German pension for her Holocaust experiences. Her expenses consist of utilities, health insurance, homeowner’s insurance, telephone and Internet, food, and miscellaneous living expenses. At the time she applied for financial assistance, she had $3,356.18 USD in her bank account.

Process

Ms. T. sent via post the application for financial assistance to Polish Pension Help (PPH). She also emailed to PPH a bank statement showing how much she has in her bank account, proof of her expenses in the form of invoices and receipts, and a doctor’s note. PPH mailed via international post the documents to UdSKiOR.

Response

In evaluating the case, UdSKiOR noted that Ms. T.’s monthly income was 14,131.63 złotys, or approximately $3,250 USD and her monthly expenses totaled approximately $2,100 USD. This was above the maximum amount of monthly income allowed for financial assistance of 5,164.78 złotys, or approximately $1,180 USD. However, UdSKiOR noted that despite the fact that Ms. T.’s income was above the limits for financial assistance, it still deemed her situation deserving of financial support to support her well-being. (Please see the decision in Polish with English translation here, with the relevant sections highlighted.)

Time frame

We sent in the application and accompanying documents to UdSKiOR on April 25. Ms. T. was approved on July 22, and received the payment on July 25. The amount granted to Ms. T. was 2671.44 złotys, which on July 25 amounted to $668.51 USD. Ms. T. can apply another time within this calendar year.