The beginning of the summer holidays is not when we think about returning to school. Children, in particular, have fun in their minds rather than visions of learning, homework and tests.

'Although there is still some time left until 1 September, the call for applications for this year's Good Start programme starts tomorrow, 1 July. We want the money to reach parents and guardians before the start of the school year and allow them to finance the purchase of a school starter kit. However, for this to happen, it is worth applying as early as possible,' Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg pointed out.

How to apply for the benefit?

Applications for the Good Start benefit can only be submitted to ZUS electronically. There are three electronic channels available to parents and carers:

• Ministry of Family and Social Policy Emp@tia portal
• PUE ZUS
• Electronic banking.

The granted benefit will be paid in a non-cash form to the bank account indicated in the application.

Important deadlines!

Applications for the Good start benefit can be submitted, as in previous years, from 1 July to 30 November of a given year (applications after this date will not be considered).

Please note that submitting an application in July or August guarantees payment of the benefit by 30 September. When the application is submitted in subsequent months (September, October or November), the support will reach the family within two months.

'Therefore, it is really not worth delaying, and I encourage you to apply for the benefit as soon as possible,' Minister Marlena Maląg emphasised.

Who is Good Start for?

The Good Start benefit of PLN 300 is granted once a year for a child studying at school until the child reaches the age of 20. In the case of children with disabilities, it is until they are 24.

Since the programme was launched, i.e. in 2018, PLN 6.7 billion has been allocated to the Good Start benefit.