Rehabilitation benefit Poland: ZUS after sick pay, up to 12 months
Short answer: After sickness benefit ends, ZUS can pay a rehabilitation benefit for up to 360 days if treatment can restore your ability to work. It pays 90% of the base for 3 months, then 75%. Apply 6 weeks before sick pay ends.
Sick pay does not last forever. If you are still unable to work when your sickness benefit runs out, ZUS can pay a rehabilitation benefit (świadczenie rehabilitacyjne) for a further period, as long as treatment or rehabilitation gives you a chance of returning to work. This guide summarises what the official gov.pl service page says. That page carries no publication date, so treat the details as undated and confirm them with ZUS before you rely on them.
What the benefit is
The rehabilitation benefit is paid from sickness insurance after the sickness benefit (zasiłek chorobowy) has been used up. According to the gov.pl page, it can be paid for up to 12 months (360 days). The condition is that further treatment or rehabilitation is expected to restore your ability to work.
The sickness benefit itself runs for up to 182 days, or up to 270 days for tuberculosis or for an illness that occurs during pregnancy. The rehabilitation benefit starts only after that period ends.
Who can get it
The page lists several groups of insured people:
- Employees.
- People working under a zlecenie, agency or services contract.
- Nannies working under an activating contract.
- Outworkers.
- Non-agricultural business owners.
- Clergy and some other insured groups.
It also covers people who are still sick after their insurance ended, within the conditions on the page. It does not say anything specific about foreigners, so if you are not a Polish citizen, ask ZUS whether your contract and insurance status qualify.
Who cannot get it
According to the same page, you cannot receive the benefit if you:
- Receive a pension or a disability pension.
- Receive unemployment benefit.
- Are on unpaid leave or parental leave.
- Are in prison without a referral to work.
How much it pays
The page gives these rates, calculated from the sickness-benefit base:
- 90% of the base for the first 3 months (90 days).
- 75% of the base after that.
- 100% of the base during pregnancy.
The page does not give a zloty amount, because the result depends on your own earnings. Any figure you work out yourself is only an estimate until ZUS issues its decision.
When to apply
Timing matters. The page says to submit the application at least 6 weeks before your sickness benefit ends. The outer deadline is no later than 18 months after the sickness-benefit period. If something prevented you from applying, you can still apply within 6 months of the reason ceasing.
Which forms you need
The page names these documents: ZNp-7 (the payer also completes part of it), OL-9, OL-10, Z-10, and the Z-3, Z-3a or Z-3b certificate of employment and earnings, depending on your situation. Which ones apply to you depends on whether you are an employee, a contractor or a business owner. Check the form list for your case on the page or ask a ZUS desk.
What happens after you apply
ZUS decides within 60 calendar days. It will usually call you to see a ZUS certifying doctor (lekarz orzecznik), who judges whether further treatment can restore your ability to work. If you object to that opinion, the case goes to a medical commission, and a decision follows within 30 days of the commission examination.
The service itself is free of charge. If you disagree with the final decision, you can appeal to the labour and social insurance court within one month, and that appeal is also free.
Practical steps
- Note the date your sickness benefit will end and count back 6 weeks.
- Ask your treating doctor whether further treatment is expected to restore your ability to work, since that is the test.
- Collect the forms that match your type of work and ask your payer to complete its part of ZNp-7.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and of every ZUS letter.
- Keep the one-month appeal deadline in mind if the decision is negative.
What the page does not say
The official page has no date, no zloty amounts, and no separate rules for foreigners. It does not explain how the certifying doctor assesses each case. For those points, ask ZUS directly through a local branch, the ZUS helpline or your online ZUS account.
* Photos: Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center (Japan) and Cora physical therapy, Franklin, WI (USA), both CC0 on Wikimedia Commons, used as illustrative images only.
Frequently asked questions
How long can the rehabilitation benefit be paid?
According to the gov.pl page, for up to 12 months (360 days), and only after the sickness benefit period has ended.
When should I apply?
At least 6 weeks before your sickness benefit ends. The page sets an outer limit of 18 months after the sickness-benefit period, with 6 months from the end of any reason that prevented you.
Can I get it while on parental leave or unemployment benefit?
No. The page lists parental leave, unpaid leave, unemployment benefit and pensions among the reasons you are not eligible.
Can I appeal a refusal?
Yes. The page says you can appeal to the labour court within one month, free of charge.
