On Mother’s Day, the Ministry of Family and Social Policy highlights several supports available to parents. The ministry’s leadership emphasizes that family policy is more than the 500+ child benefits; a suite of tools has helped restore dignity for Polish families, as stated by Marlena Maląg, the head of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, in a discussion with PAP.
A variety of programs supporting families
Recent figures shared with PAP show that parents with dependent children can access multiple forms of state aid designed to ease everyday family life.
First is the parental benefit under the program “Rodzina 500+,” which provides 500 PLN per child under 18. This benefit does not depend on family income. Starting January 1, 2024, the childcare allowance rose to 800 PLN per child each month.
The pro-family policy extends beyond 500+ since its inception in April 2016. A number of instruments have helped strengthen Polish families. The Good Start Program, Family Capital, co-financing for childcare, and Toddler Plus complement each other to support households.
According to the ministry, children aged 7 to 20 who are in school—and up to age 24 for disabled students—receive a one-time Good Start allowance of 300 PLN per child at the start of the school year, regardless of parental income.
Families with children aged 12 to 35 months may qualify for the Family Care Capital, aiming to help cover the cost of caring for additional children. The benefit totals 12,000 PLN. Parents can choose to receive 1,000 PLN per month for one year or 500 PLN per month for two years.
Family and Baby Benefits are designed to reach broad sections of families. Most programs are universal, yet targeted forms exist for lower-income households or those with special needs. These include child benefits for raising a child in larger families, to support education and rehabilitation of a disabled child, or school-year allowances.
The ministry notes that child benefits can continue until a child turns 18 or finishes schooling, with extensions up to 21 or 24 for those continuing education and holding relevant certificates. Eligibility hinges on income criteria, currently set at 674 PLN per person monthly, or 764 PLN for families with a disabled child. The benefit itself ranges by age: 95 PLN per month for ages 0–5, 124 PLN for ages 5–18, and 135 PLN for ages 18–24.
Recipients can also apply for supplements, including a one-time 1,000 PLN delivery fee, large-family allowances, single-parent supplements, childcare allowances during parental leave, and education and rehabilitation stipends for a disabled child. There are school-year stipends and city-of-study allowances, helping cover optional education-related expenses depending on the child’s situation and location.
Additionally, families where income per person does not exceed 1,922 PLN net may qualify for a birth grant of 1,000 PLN. For those not receiving maternity allowances, a parental benefit of 1,000 PLN per month may apply for up to a year after birth, with extensions possible in the case of multiple births.
Alimony and related changes
This year also brings adjustments to the Maintenance Fund payments. As of October 1, the income criterion governing eligibility rises from 900 PLN to 1,209 PLN, expanding support for more families.
Families with at least three children can benefit from the Large Family Card, offering discounts and extra rights across public institutions and private companies. A supplementary parental benefit, known as the “Mama 4 plus”, targets parents aged 60 and above. The amount aligns with the guaranteed minimum retirement pension for those who do not receive other pensions or sufficient income.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to support families and sustain household well-being across Poland, aligning with broader policy goals of family-centered social development.
(citation: wPolityce)