Poland is set to restrict the 800 Plus child benefit to Ukrainian families whose parents are not employed in the country, igniting debate over eligibility and the social contract.
Proposal to Cut Benefits for Unemployed Ukrainian Parents
In September, a new bill was signed that will deny the 800 Plus allowance to Ukrainian children whose parents do not work in Poland. The proposal came from Rafał Trzaskowski and was backed by President Karol Nawrocki.
Government’s Two‑Fold Justification
The administration argues that there is “nothing free” – children can receive state support only if their parents contribute to the tax system. Second, it alleges that some Ukrainian families falsely claim residency and school attendance to qualify.
Proof of School Attendance Requirement
A legal initiative already requires parents to prove that their children attend Polish schools before the allowance can be paid. The new law will enforce this rule across all eligible children.
Polish Workers Questioning the Social Contract
Officials claim that “hard‑working Poles” should not subsidise families that neither live nor work locally. The debate centers on whether universal social programmes should be conditional.
The Podcast “What Does It Give Me” Explores Consequences
Podcast host discusses who pays for Ukrainian 800 Plus payments, how the new rules will affect families, and what the benefits are intended to achieve. The first episode airs 13 October at 18:00 on Gazeta.pl, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
