Monetary benefits from social assistance in the light of the jurisprudence of administrative courts – selected issues. Part 1

The aim of this study was to present monetary benefits from social welfare in terms of the jurisprudence of administrative courts. The analysis of this case law confirms that the granting of obligatory monetary benefits – which are the subject of this part of the article -– such as the permanent allowance and the periodic allowance, depends on the fulfilment of positive conditions, with no negative circumstances at the same time. The latter, depending on their nature, are or may be considered leading or may lead to the conclusion that the provision of the benefit is or may be contrary to the principles and objectives of social welfare, including the principle of subsidiarity. Providing monetary benefits from social welfare, including – which should be emphasized – also obligatory benefits, requires not only the fulfilment of positive conditions, but also confirmation that the provision of assistance will be consistent with the principles and objectives of social welfare, including the pr – as it is noted in the judicature – including determining whether the person concerned undertakes actions aimed at improving their situation, actively cooperating in this respect with the social welfare body, or whether they only expect support. Each person – before asking for help – is first and foremost obliged to fully use their own powers, resources and possibilities to overcome a difficult life situation, and if they do not fulfil this obligation, then – as confirmed by the jurisprudence – there is no basic condition for providing such a person with assistance from public funds. One of the basic goals set out in the Act on social assistance is the activation of beneficiaries and making them independent. Social assistance is only of a temporary nature and assumes the development of appropriate attitudes among its users. It cannot, under any circumstances, turn into a permanent and unique source of income for people applying for it. A negative settlement of the application of a person applying for social assistance benefits does not have to mean a violation of the general principles of granting assistance, and may only prove that, in a specific case, there are no grounds for the applicant to exercise the rights provided for in the Act. The purpose of social assistance is to provide support, not to replace individual efforts to improve the living situation of a specific person. Permanent allowance and periodic allowance referred to in this study fulfil this function.