Eleven Years of Stagnation: Child Benefit Thresholds Under Scrutiny
The Children’s Rights Ombudsman has formally requested the Ministry of Family to address the stagnant income thresholds for child benefits, which have remained unchanged for over a decade...
The Children’s Rights Ombudsman has formally requested the Ministry of Family to address the stagnant income thresholds for child benefits, which have remained unchanged for over a decade despite rising costs.
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A Decade of Financial Exclusion
Income thresholds determining eligibility for child benefits have remained frozen for 11 years. As living costs continue to climb, an increasing number of families are losing their right to state support.
Children’s Rights Ombudsman Monika Horna-Cieślak has officially intervened, asking the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy to clarify the status of work regarding potential revisions to these income brackets and the broader benefits system.
Eligibility Limits and Economic Reality
To qualify for the benefit, a family’s income must not exceed 674 PLN per person, or 764 PLN if the family is raising a child with a disability. Exceeding these figures generally results in a loss of the benefit, subject to the “one-for-one” rule where applicable.
The Ombudsman emphasizes that because these limits have not been adjusted in 11 years, rising wages and inflation have effectively disqualified a growing number of families from receiving essential aid.
Failing to Meet Statutory Reviews
Regulations mandate a review of income thresholds and benefit levels every three years. The most recent review was scheduled for 2024, yet limits were not raised. The next statutory review is not expected until 2027.
Monika Horna-Cieślak is now demanding information on when actual changes will occur, citing previous government promises to reform the system and implement more frequent adjustments to these thresholds.
Depreciating Benefit Values
The Ombudsman notes that the crisis extends beyond income thresholds, as the actual amounts paid out in family benefits have not increased in years. Consequently, the real value of this assistance continues to decline.
Currently, the benefit ranges from 95 to 135 PLN per month, depending on the child’s age. The Ombudsman argues that financial support must be brought in line with current economic realities to reach the families who truly need it.