History

The Decoration for Social Welfare was established by the Republic of Poland in 1978. It was awarded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy to Ministry employees in recognition of long and meritorious service, as well as to foreigners in recognition of fostering international cooperation in social welfare projects. It was discontinued following the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.

The I Class Decoration features an obverse inscription that translates to "Merit to Social Policy," and a reverse inscription that translates to "Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Bureau of Social Insurance."