A Monthly Payment of 2,403 PLN for Every Eligible Citizen? The Sejm Has Made Its Decision

The Sejm committee unanimously rejected a petition for a universal basic income pilot program that would have paid 2,403 PLN monthly, drawing opposition from the Ministry of Finance.

The Universal Basic Income Petition in the Sejm

In the public debate, the idea of a permanent benefit paid to every citizen, regardless of life and professional situation, emerged. The planned pilot assumed the payment of a benefit equal to 50 percent of the current gross minimum wage. At current rates, this would mean 2,403 PLN per month for each eligible program participant. What did the Sejm decide on this matter?

In mid-2025, a petition calling for the launch of a universal basic income pilot program was submitted to the Sejm. As reported by „Rynek Zdrowia”, the idea was to provide eligible persons with regular financial support, paid regardless of income and work performed. This concept ultimately failed to gain acceptance in either parliament or the government. The Ministry of Finance distanced itself from the project, and the parliamentary committee unanimously closed the matter.

What is Universal Basic Income?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a solution that involves the regular payment of a specific amount to every citizen, regardless of their financial situation or status in the labor market. The goal of this mechanism is to guarantee everyone a minimum level of economic security. The assumptions for introducing UBI also include simplifying the current social benefits system, increasing freedom in making employment decisions, and reducing the scale of poverty.

Rules of the 2,403 PLN Monthly Payment

The planned pilot assumed the payment of a benefit in the amount of 50 percent of the current gross minimum wage. At current rates, this would mean the amount of 2,403 PLN per month for each eligible participant of the program.

The right to receive the benefit would apply to citizens from the age of 3. For children aged 3 to 5, parents could voluntarily decide to participate in the program, as this age group is already covered by other forms of support.

Impact of UBI on the Benefits System

The application assumed that introducing the basic income would require rebuilding the current benefit system. Considerations included abandoning some existing support programs, such as the 800 plus as well as the thirteenth and fourteenth pensions.

The Ministry of Finance took a stance on the matter. The ministry announced that it is not currently working on regulations that would enable the implementation of a universal basic income, nor does it plan to implement such a program. It was emphasized that launching such an extensive undertaking would require identifying stable and sufficiently large sources of financing.

Unanimous Decision by the Sejm

The proposal did not meet with the acceptance of parliamentarians. The Sejm Committee on Petitions unanimously decided not to include it, which ended the further processing of the document.

Summary of the Initiative

The concept of a universal basic income assumed the payment of 2,403 PLN monthly to every eligible citizen from the age of 3. The project provided for the abandonment of some existing social programs, such as 800+, and the 13th and 14th pensions. Ultimately, however, the initiative collapsed. The Ministry of Finance refused to undertake work on the regulation, and the parliamentary committee unanimously rejected the petition, ending the processing of the document.