April 1st of 2016 is an exceptionally important date for Polish families. The “Family 500+” programme was launched on that day, i.e., PLN 500 for each child per month (since July of 2019) – regardless of income.

The study carried out by CBOS “Family 500 plus programme after five years” shows that today, support for the programme is expressed by up to 73% of the respondents.

– Family is the most important thing for most Poles, as proven by all studies. We understand that, and that is why we have placed the family in the centre of our measures. We are consequently implementing what we have obliged to. This has not been changed even by the pandemic. Today, during this difficult time, the family benefit provides a sense of safety and constitutes steady income, which is very important - says the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg.

“Family 500+” in numbers

From the very beginning of the programme, until the end of February of the current year, PLN 141 billion was allocated to families and the care benefit covered approximately 6.6 million children. PLN 6000 per year for one child, which is up to PLN 108 thousand from birth until the child reaches the age of 18.

– The BIG Infomonitor survey of April 2020 has shown that nearly 1/4th of the respondents has enough money to be able to afford their basic expenditures, while nearly 1/5th was able to purchase higher quality goods using the funds under the “Family 500+” programme. It is a very good message which shows that the programme is necessary – stresses Minister Marlena Maląg.

But – as the head of the Ministry points out – that is not all.

– Feedback from parents is particularly valuable for us. That is why we know that the parental benefit means better perspectives for the development of children, their passions, interests, investment in the future, but also fulfilled dreams - both the smaller and the bigger ones, calm Christmas, great holidays. They provide a feeling of safety every day – says Minister Maląg.

Changes in the Programme in 2021

The year 2012 also brought an important change related to determining the benefit period and the time limits for submitting applications for parental benefits. Since this year, the right to the “500+” benefit is determined for the period from 1st June until 31st May of the next calendar year.

The applications for the parental benefit for the new benefit period may be filed in beginning on February 1st by electronic means, i.e., through the Empatia web portal, through electronic banking or PUE ZUS portal.

The traditional call for proposals has started on April 1st - they may be submitted through regular mail or personally, during a visit to the office.

Direction towards the family

– On this exceptional occasion, i.e., the fifth anniversary after the introduction of the “Family 500+” programme, I wish all of us for this direction not to change. To ensure that family is always first. I also wish you plenty of other anniversaries, during which – without any doubt – we are going to be able to enjoy the positive effects of the programme – stresses Marlena Maląg, the Minister of Family.