The “Family 800+” program (previously known as “Family 500+”) is one of the key benefits supporting families raising children in Poland. The monthly payment of PLN 800 per child up to the age of 18 is significant assistance. Many foreigners living and working in Poland wonder if they can also benefit from this support. The answer is: yes, many foreigners are entitled to the 800+ benefit, but provided they meet specific legal criteria.

What is the “Family 800+” child-raising benefit?

The “Family 800+” child-raising benefit is a systemic state support for families. It amounts to PLN 800 per month for each child from birth until they turn 18. The program aims to partially cover the expenses related to raising a child and meeting their life needs. As of January 1, 2024, the benefit amount was increased from PLN 500 to PLN 800. The institution responsible for granting and paying the benefit is the Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych – ZUS).

Does citizenship matter? No, residence status and labor market access are key

The basic principle is that the right to the 800+ benefit is not solely dependent on holding Polish citizenship. Foreigners can receive this benefit if they meet the conditions specified in the Act on State Aid in Raising Children. Key factors are legal residence in Poland and, in many cases, having the right to work in the territory of the Republic of Poland or being subject to the Polish social security system. It concerns individuals whose center of vital interests is effectively in Poland and who (or their family) are integrated into the Polish social and economic system.

Which foreigners are entitled to 800+? (most common cases)

The right to the 800+ child-raising benefit is granted to foreigners who live in Poland with their children and belong to one of the following groups:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Usually eligible based on EU coordination rules for social security systems, if they work or reside in Poland.
  • Third-Country Nationals Holding Specific Residence Permits: This is the most common eligible group from outside the EU. Entitled individuals include holders of:
    • Permanent residence permit.
    • EU long-term resident permit.
    • Temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment (EU Blue Card).
    • Temporary residence permit with the annotation “access to the labor market” (dostęp do rynku pracy). Such an annotation is often found on residence cards issued, e.g., to:
      • Spouses of Polish citizens.
      • For the purpose of family reunification (for family members of a foreigner holding a specific status in PL).
      • Graduates of Polish full-time university studies seeking employment.
      • Victims of human trafficking.
  • Citizens of Ukraine Covered by the Special Act: Persons who arrived in Poland from February 24, 2022, due to the armed conflict and whose stay is legal under the so-called Special Act (often confirmed by a PESEL UKR number), are entitled to 800+ if they reside with the child in Poland. Important: The current validity period of these entitlements should be monitored.
  • Holders of the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka): If they reside in Poland.
  • Persons with International Protection: Foreigners granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. If your residence status is not listed, it is advisable to verify eligibility directly with ZUS.

Who is usually NOT entitled to 800+?

The child-raising benefit is generally not granted to foreigners who:

  • Are staying in Poland based on a short-term Schengen visa (type C) or under visa-free movement (without an additional legal title for work/long-term stay).
  • Hold a temporary residence permit issued solely for the purpose of studies (without additional access to the labor market).
  • Hold a seasonal work permit or a visa issued for this purpose.
  • Hold a temporary residence permit that does not grant access to the Polish labor market (e.g., issued due to “other circumstances” without the relevant annotation).
  • Are staying in Poland illegally.

Additional conditions – The child must live with you in Poland

To receive the benefit, you must actually reside together with the child in the territory of Poland. The benefit is granted for children until they turn 18 years old.

How and where to apply for 800+?

The application procedure is fully electronic and handled by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS):

  • Application Form: Applications can be submitted only electronically through one of three channels:
    • ZUS Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS).
    • The Emp@tia information and service portal of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.
    • Electronic banking systems of selected banks in Poland offering this service.
  • Benefit Period: The benefit is granted for an annual period, lasting from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. To continue receiving the benefit, a new application must be submitted each year for the next period (applications usually open on February 1st).
  • Required Data/Documents (indicative): Parent’s and child’s data (including PESEL numbers – if you or the child don’t have one, ZUS will explain the procedure), bank account number for payment. Foreigners must additionally confirm their eligibility – ZUS may require attaching a scan of the document confirming legal residence and access to the labor market (e.g., residence card with the annotation “dostęp do rynku pracy,” decision granting refugee status, etc.).

Scenario: family from Belarus with Temporary Residence Cards

A married couple from Belarus has been living in Poland for several years. The husband has a temporary residence and work permit (single permit). The wife holds a temporary residence permit for family reunification, which has the annotation “access to the labor market” on her residence card. They have a 5-year-old child who also holds a temporary residence permit linked to theirs.

  1. The parents check their residence cards and decisions – both have statuses entitling them to the benefit (husband – work purpose, wife – access to labor market due to family reunification).
  2. They have PESEL numbers for all family members.
  3. The mother logs into her PUE ZUS account.
  4. She fills out the electronic application form SW-R (Application for child-raising benefit) for the new benefit period, providing her details, her husband’s, the child’s, and the bank account number.
  5. She attaches scans of their residence cards as proof of eligibility.
  6. After ZUS approves the application, the family receives PLN 800 monthly for the child. They remember to re-apply for the next period starting February 1st.

Doubts? consult ZUS or an expert

If you are unsure whether your residence status entitles you to the 800+ benefit, the best source of information is:

  • The official ZUS website and ZUS helpline.
  • Direct contact with a ZUS branch.

In case of a complex legal situation regarding your stay or work, consulting a lawyer specializing in immigration law can help clarify your eligibility before applying, ensuring all conditions related to residence/work access are met.

In summary, the 800+ benefit is available to many foreigners legally residing and often working in Poland. The key is holding the appropriate residence status, frequently linked to access to the labor market. Carefully check your documents and apply electronically via ZUS, remembering to renew the application annually for the new benefit period.

(Please remember that the information in this article is general and reflects the legal state as of April 2025. Regulations, especially concerning the Special Act for Ukrainian citizens, may change. Always verify current information on the ZUS website. This article does not constitute legal or financial advice.)

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