Poland’s family allowance and related supplements for 2026 and 2027 are designed to partially cover the costs of raising children, with eligibility based on income and age.
Family Allowance and Supplements: An Overview
Family allowance and its associated supplements are key benefits for families in Poland. The primary goal of this allowance is to help cover the expenses related to child support.
Eligibility for the allowance extends to parents, legal guardians, foster parents, and students.
Eligibility and Conditions
The family allowance is intended to partially cover the costs of raising a child. It is available to parents (or one parent), legal guardians, foster parents, and students.
Allowance Duration and Amount
The family allowance is paid until the child reaches a certain age or completes their education. Generally, the allowance is paid until the child turns 18, but it can be extended to 21 if the child continues their education.
For students with a moderate or significant disability, the allowance can be paid up to the age of 24, provided they continue their education. If higher education is completed during the final year of study, the allowance is maintained until the end of that year, but not beyond the age of 24.
Monthly Allowance Amounts
The monthly amount of the family allowance depends on the child’s age. Children under 5 receive 95 złoty per month. For children over 5 and up to 18, the allowance is 124 złoty per month.
The highest rate, 135 złoty per month, applies to children over 18 and up to 24 years of age.
The allowance amount and income criteria are subject to review, typically every three years, with the next statutory review scheduled for 2027.
Reasons for Allowance Denial
The allowance is not granted if the child or student is married, placed in full-time care, or if a full-time student is in full-time care. It is also denied if a child or student is eligible for an allowance on their own child.
Additionally, the allowance is not provided to single parents if child support has not been legally established, except in cases of death, unknown father, dismissed support claim, full parental cost responsibility, or joint alternating care. Receiving a family allowance from abroad also disqualifies applicants, unless international agreements dictate otherwise.
Additional Supplements
Additional benefits can be added to the family allowance, depending on the family’s circumstances. These include supplements for childbirth, childcare during parental leave, single parenthood, and raising children in large families.
Support is also available for the education and rehabilitation of children with disabilities, starting school, and studying away from home.