A petition proposes extending Poland’s “800 Plus” child benefit to parents whose children are now adults, sparking debate and parliamentary review.
Parents Without “Plus” – Will the State Now Compensate?
Today’s seniors raised children with minimal state support, often funding school supplies from personal budgets and receiving only symbolic assistance. As the state generously supports families through the 800 Plus program, questions arise about compensating previous generations.
800 Plus for Seniors for Raised Children
A petition proposes a benefit for seniors equivalent to the current 800 Plus, as compensation for raising children when such support didn’t exist. The author argues parents were deprived of 172,800 zł per child.
How Would the New Benefit Work?
The proposed benefit would be paid for each child working in Poland and paying taxes. Married couples would receive 400 zł per month per child, split between parents.
Ministry Responds with One Sentence
The Ministry of Family and Social Policy acknowledged the petition, primarily referencing the existing 800 Plus program. It stated that the law on state assistance in raising children does not regulate pension supplements.
Not Just Seniors – 50-Year-Olds Also Raise Questions
Those in their fifties also question the fairness, as they didn’t qualify for the 500 Plus (now 800 Plus) when it launched in 2016 with adult children. They suggest a retroactive solution for both seniors and themselves.
The Matter Reaches Parliament
The proposal was referred to the Sejm’s Petitions Committee on October 8, 2025, with a proposal for further action.
MPs Ask the Ministry for Concrete Solutions
MP Urszula Rusecka proposed a formal inquiry to the Ministry regarding the feasibility of the benefit. She also suggested expanding the discussion to include changes to the “Mama 4 Plus” program, potentially including working mothers of multiple children.
What is the Ministry of Family’s Position?
Zbigniew Wasiak from the Ministry of Social Insurance explained that the pension system currently only provides two supplements related to insurance risk: a care allowance and an orphan’s allowance. The ministry does not plan new pension supplements.
What’s Next for the Petition?
The ministry has 30 days to respond to the committee’s inquiry. Failure to respond or an insufficient answer could lead to further action, including a Sejm resolution or draft legislation to extend the 800 Plus benefit to senior parents.