ZUS pays 300 PLN: Millions received, deadline soon

10 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland’s ZUS has paid over 1.1 billion PLN under the 300 PLN school allowance. Apply by 30 Nov to claim the benefit.

ZUS has already paid more than PLN 1.1 billion under the 300 PLN school allowance, and millions of families received the cash. Moreover, the social insurance institution (ZUS) processed 2.9 million applications covering over 4.3 million pupils. However, parents must apply to get the money; the deadline matters.

Table of Contents

300 PLN school allowance

The Dobry Start program gives a one-off 300 PLN per eligible pupil. In addition, the payment does not depend on parents’ income. Therefore, low and middle income families qualify equally.

Consequently, a family with two eligible children gets 600 PLN. Moreover, a household with three children gets 900 PLN. However, the program excludes children in kindergarten prep classes and university students. In addition, the age limit usually stops at 20 years. Therefore, children with an official disability certificate (an orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności) qualify until age 24.

How many applications and payments so far

ZUS opened the application window on July 1. Consequently, it received 2.9 million applications. Moreover, those requests covered over 4.3 million children. In addition, the agency has disbursed more than PLN 1.1 billion so far. Therefore, the program already plays a major role in school budgeting for many Polish families.

Deadlines, process and practical timing

Importantly, the application period remains open. However, parents must submit their request by November 30, 2026. Therefore, missing the deadline usually means they lose the right to the payment. In addition, ZUS makes an important point: there is no automatic transfer based solely on having a school-age child. Parents must file an electronic application.

Moreover, ZUS requires a valid PESEL number (the national ID number) for each child. The agency also needs the school name and a current bank account number. Therefore, prepare those details before applying. In addition, ZUS pays only by bank transfer. Consequently, cash payments do not exist for this benefit.

Applicants who file correctly by the end of August should see payments by September 30 at the latest. However, applications filed later can take up to two months for payment. Therefore, filing early gives faster access to funds.

Why this matters for expats and foreign residents

For expats living in Poland, this benefit affects household budgets. Moreover, if your child studies in a Polish school and you hold residency, you may qualify. However, you must have a Polish bank account and your child must have a PESEL number. In addition, the system requires electronic submission through mZUS, ePUAP, your bank app, or the Emp@tia portal. Therefore, plan ahead to avoid missing the cut-off.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, you can apply if your child studies at a Polish school and has a PESEL (Poland’s personal ID number). Moreover, you need a Polish bank account for the payment. In addition, submit the application electronically via mZUS or your bank. Therefore, do not assume automatic payment; apply before November 30.

Because the scheme runs nationally, families across Poland benefit. Moreover, the scale shows how important the program became for school spending. However, time limits and document rules remain strict. Therefore, check your eligibility and apply now.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.