On March 27, 2025, Wiceminister rodziny Łukasz Krasoń announced significant reforms in the disability adjudication system in Poland, particularly benefiting individuals with rare genetic diseases. These changes will eliminate the need for patients to repeatedly apply for disability certificates, a process that has often been frustrating for families dealing with chronic conditions.
Under the new guidelines, children diagnosed with rare genetic diseases that have a stable and unchanging course will receive disability certificates valid until they turn 16 years old. Adults with similar diagnoses will be granted permanent certificates, provided they meet the necessary disability criteria. This development has been warmly welcomed by many affected families who have long struggled with the bureaucratic demands of proving their loved ones' disabilities periodically.
"I understand the anger of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, who had to prove every two or three years that their extra chromosome hadn't suddenly disappeared. Such situations will no longer occur," Krasoń stated, highlighting the emotional toll that previous policies had inflicted on families.
The new guidelines, which have already been published and are in effect, aim to streamline the certification process for tens of thousands of individuals. They take into account the need for constant care (point 7 of the certificate) and daily support in treatment, rehabilitation, and education (point 8 of the certificate). Parents of children with rare diseases can now invoke these new regulations when submitting applications for disability certifications.
According to the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, the essence of the current disability adjudication system is to assess whether a person's health condition prevents them from fulfilling specific social roles equally with others. This assessment takes into consideration the current medical knowledge regarding the potential for health improvement and how the individual functions within their local environment.
In response to long-standing appeals from parents of children with rare diseases, the ministry has issued recommendations for Voivodeship and Poviat Teams for Adjudication on Disability. People suffering from nearly 150 rare diseases can now apply for permanent disability certificates by providing appropriate documentation of their conditions. For children, these certificates will be valid until they reach 16 years of age.
Point 7 of the new guidelines emphasizes the necessity for constant or long-term care or assistance due to significantly limited independent living capabilities. Point 8 highlights the requirement for ongoing involvement of a caregiver in the child's daily treatment, rehabilitation, and educational processes. Similar recommendations have also been issued for children with Down syndrome and other rare diseases, ensuring that they receive certificates valid for the maximum possible duration.
Obtaining a disability certificate brings numerous benefits, including access to care allowances, tax reliefs, priority in accessing social and healthcare services, and the possibility of obtaining a Parking Card. Additionally, individuals with disabilities can receive extra support in educational settings, such as having a personal assistant or tailored educational programs.
As part of the ongoing reforms, the ministry is also working on extending the validity of medical certificates required for obtaining disability certifications from one to three months prior to application submission. This change aims to further reduce the administrative burden on families and streamline the process.
Wiceminister Krasoń emphasized that these guidelines are not just bureaucratic changes, but a response to the real needs of families dealing with rare and chronic diseases. "The catalog of diseases will remain open to accommodate changing classifications and new genetic variations of diseases," he noted, indicating a commitment to adapt to the evolving landscape of medical understanding.
Parents of children with conditions covered by the new guidelines can now reference these regulations when applying for disability certifications, which is a significant step forward in ensuring that families receive the support they need without unnecessary hurdles.
The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy has provided a detailed list of diseases eligible for permanent disability certificates, which includes both rare and genetic conditions. This initiative is seen as a crucial advancement in the disability adjudication process, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
In summary, these reforms represent a significant shift in how Poland addresses the needs of individuals with rare genetic diseases, providing them with the stability and support necessary to navigate their daily lives more effectively. As the ministry continues to work on further improvements, there is hope for a more inclusive and understanding approach to disability in Poland.
