Poland to Double Paid Care Days for Sick Children

27 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland proposes a care allowance extension to double paid days to 120 a year for seriously ill children. The plan targets parents and costs about 100 mln zł.

Poland’s government announced a care allowance extension for parents of seriously ill children. Consequently, the Ministry of Family proposed a bill to double paid caregiving days to a maximum of 120 per year.

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Care allowance extension: what changes

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy submitted the draft law to the government’s legislative schedule on May 26, 2026. Moreover, Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk said the goal will protect family livelihoods when a child faces chronic or oncological disease. The existing rules grant up to 60 paid days a year for children under 14. However, they only offer 14 days for older children under current law. In addition, the draft adds 60 days to existing limits. Therefore, parents could receive up to 120 paid caregiving days per year. The plan would extend the age cap to 18 years, which broadens eligibility significantly. Furthermore, the ministry estimated annual costs at around 100 million złoty. Meanwhile, the minister argued the amount is small compared with larger state expenditures like defence.

How the new rules will work

The ministry rejected a closed list of illnesses. Instead, a treating physician will decide if a condition qualifies as serious or chronic, similar to how doctors issue standard sick notes (L4). Consequently, medical judgment will determine access rather than a strict catalogue. The proposal expects a short, 14-day vacatio legis after publication in the Journal of Laws. Therefore, the ministry hopes the measures will start working in practice in 2027, pending parliamentary approval. Moreover, the ministry said it expects broad political support and co-ordination with the Ministry of Finance.

Why this matters to expats living in Poland

For foreign parents, this change affects everyday economic security. In addition, caregivers will have more paid days to stay home without losing income. However, practical steps will remain necessary. For example, you will likely need a medical certificate and to notify your employer and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). Moreover, the National Health Fund (NFZ) still handles public health benefits, so coordinate with your child’s clinic. Therefore, keep careful medical records and ask your doctor to document the diagnosis and treatment plan.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat caregiver, register with your employer and ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) early. In addition, carry your child’s PESEL number or passport for formal steps. The treating doctor issues the qualifying medical note similar to an “L4” sick leave form, and the employer usually processes the payment through ZUS. Therefore, translate key medical documents and keep copies. Finally, contact local municipal social services if you need extra help navigating the process.

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