The Polish government is planning to return about 2 million zlotys (approximately $500,000) that refugees from Ukraine received unjustifiably. Here's what the problem is and what timeframe is given for the return of funds

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In Poland, it was discovered that the Social Insurance Institute had unlawfully paid about PLN 2 million to Ukrainian refugees. So the beneficiaries are going to be obliged to return the money. We will tell you what we know about this and how the money will be returned.

The Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has estimated that Ukrainian refugees were unlawfully paid about 2 million zlotys (over 16 million hryvnias).

They explained that if Ukrainians wanted to receive assistance in Poland, they could not leave the country for more than 30 days. However, for a long time there was a problem in determining who had left. 

This refers to the payment of child benefits (under the 500+ and Family Capital programs) to refugees who had left Poland but did not report this to ZUS. The funds continued to be transferred to bank accounts, although the right to receive them is lost after 30 days.

It is noted that over the past month, the payment of assistance based on information about the departure of refugees was suspended for approximately 3,200 refugees from Ukraine. At the same time, people who return within 30 days can resume payments.

Where should I return the payments?

Ukrainian refugees have two years to return their payments. So far, only 35.3 thousand zlotys have been returned.

The benefit should be returned to the social insurance institution to a bank account: 82 1020 5604 0000 0102 8996 3017. This is an option for those who return money from a Polish bank account. 

If the refund is made from a Ukrainian or other foreign bank account, the letters PL should be added before the recipient's number. In this case, the ZUS account will look like this: PL 82 1020 5604 0000 0102 8996 3017. In addition, you will also need to specify the SWIFT code: BPKOPLPW. 

In both cases, the subject line of the transfer should include your name and surname, case number (meaning the case for the award of benefits) and a note: 500.

We remind you! Citizens of Ukraine who leave Poland for more than 30 days automatically lose their UKR status and, at the same time, the right to financial assistance. This includes the 500+ program. Read here whether and how to resume payments.

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