Government: 800 plus benefit safe — apply by June 30

12 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The government rejects cuts to the 800 plus benefit. Apply by June 30 to keep June payments and learn what expats must know.

The government denied plans to cut the 800 plus benefit and confirmed that the payment remains 800 zł per child. However, parents must file by June 30 to avoid losing the June payout.

Table of Contents

Why the government says no cuts

The cabinet presented a report and the deputy minister spoke clearly. Moreover, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy confirmed no work on reducing the payment or linking it to income exists. Consequently, politicians who suggested income tests or work requirements will not see change this year. In addition, the programme remains non-means-tested now. Therefore, families who rely on the benefit can plan ahead.

What the numbers show about the programme

The programme cost the state 66.2 billion złoty in 2024. However, the rise from 500 to 800 zł increased spending by 60 percent. Moreover, the measure did not boost fertility as expected. In 2024 Poland recorded 251,000 births, 20,000 fewer than in 2023. Consequently, the fertility rate fell to 1.1. Yet the scheme cut extreme poverty. As a result, the extreme poverty rate dropped to 5.2 percent in 2024. Therefore, ministers argue the programme works as social support rather than a demographic tool.

What the 800 plus benefit deadline means

The new benefit year began on June 1, 2026 and runs to May 31, 2027. Parents must submit a fresh application each year. If you file by April 30, you keep continuous payments. However, file in May and you receive a June back payment by July. In addition, a June application yields payment and backpay by August. Conversely, if you apply in July, you only receive money from July. Consequently, June disappears for late filers. ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) only accepts electronic forms. You must use the mZUS app, eZUS portal, bank online service, or Empatia platform. ZUS rejects paper forms. Also, payments arrive only to bank accounts.

Practical local context and timing

In Warsaw and Mazovia many families qualify. Therefore, local ZUS branches often handle high volumes. However, you do not need to queue in person. Instead, complete the process from home. Moreover, ZUS provides case status online. In addition, if you forget, you likely lose one month’s money. Consequently, set a calendar reminder for June 30.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, file online and keep your PESEL (national ID number) ready. Also have your ZUS account (ZUS is the Social Insurance Institution) details and your bank account. Note that NFZ means the National Health Fund. You will not use paper forms. Therefore, register or log in to mZUS or your online bank before June 30 to get June’s backpay.

The ministry also drafted a change to automate renewals. Consequently, the plan would let ZUS renew entitlement automatically if family data did not change. However, that reform remains a proposal. The government hopes to submit a bill in Q2 2026. If approved, automation would start with the 2027/2028 benefit year. Therefore, this cycle may be the last that needs a full manual re-application.

In short, ignore the recurring rumours about cuts. Instead, act on timing. File online by June 30 to preserve your June payment. Moreover, track your case on the ZUS portal. Finally, if you have doubts contact ZUS or consult community groups for step-by-step help.

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