Since 2024, the old «Family 500+» programme has been replaced by «Family 800+»: a higher benefit, with stricter conditions for foreigners kicking in from 2026. Here’s who qualifies, how much it’s worth, and what has changed.

Short and to the point
  • A PLN 800 monthly benefit is paid per child up to age 18, regardless of family income
  • From 1 February 2026, Ukrainian citizens with UKR status must prove employment activity and school attendance, from 1 June 2026 the same applies to all other third-country nationals, including CUKR card holders
  • Applications are submitted only online, via PUE/eZUS, the mZUS mobile app, the Emp@tia portal, or online banking
  • Applications for the 2026/2027 period are accepted from 1 February to 30 June 2026
  • If you’re not sure which category applies to you, check your case at a free consultation

What «Family 800+» is in 2026

Since 2024, the «Family 500+» programme has been replaced by «Family 800+»: the benefit rose to PLN 800 per month and is now paid for every child up to age 18, not just from the second child as before. There is no family income threshold: the payment does not depend on parents’ earnings.

Legal basis: the Act of 11 February 2016 on State Assistance in Raising Children (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 112, consolidated text) and 2026 ZUS/MRPiPS communications.

Which foreigners can get the benefit

The right to the benefit remains for foreigners who:

  • legally stay in Poland;
  • hold a document granting access to the labour market: a residence card marked “dostęp do rynku pracy”, a temporary residence permit based on employment, a CUKR residence card, PESEL with UKR status, permanent residence, an EU long-term resident card, refugee status or subsidiary protection, etc.;
  • actually live in Poland together with the child for whom the benefit is requested.

Important change, new requirements for third-country nationals from 2026

From 1 June 2026, ZUS checks not only formal labour-market access but the parent’s or guardian’s actual work activity for third-country nationals.

Besides the parent’s employment activity, the new rules require:

  • joint residence in Poland: both the parent and the child;
  • a school-age child to attend a Polish school, kindergarten, or pre-school preparation programme: remote learning under the home country’s curriculum alone no longer counts (see how a PESEL number is used to confirm your and your child’s registration);
  • being ready to confirm the parent’s and child’s PESEL numbers, border-crossing data, and the legality of stay upon ZUS request.

Until 31 May 2026, foreigners already receiving the benefit under the old conditions may continue receiving it without confirming the new requirements, but from 1 June 2026, these requirements become mandatory to extend payment.

Who cannot get the benefit

  • foreigners without legal residence in Poland;
  • people who hold a work permit valid for up to 6 months;
  • students who are in Poland solely for study purposes, without a separate basis for labour-market access;
  • from 2026: third-country nationals who have not confirmed their employment activity or whose child does not attend a Polish school/kindergarten (where this obligation applies).
Mother and child at the table with documents about the child benefit in PolandMother and child at the table with documents about the child benefit in Poland

How and where to apply

Applications are accepted only in electronic form:

  • via a PUE ZUS account or the mZUS mobile app;
  • via the Emp@tia portal;
  • via online banking (if your bank supports this service: check with your bank).
Read more about banks in our article: Opening a Bank Account in Poland.

Deadlines for the 2026/2027 period

Applications for the new benefit period (1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027) are accepted from 1 February to 30 June 2026. Filing by the end of April ensures uninterrupted payment from June; later filing may delay the first payment, but the benefit will still be paid retroactively for the elapsed months of the period.

Documents you may need

  • the applicant’s and the child’s PESEL number;
  • Poland border-crossing data (for third-country nationals);
  • proof of legal residence (a copy of the residence card/visa);
  • proof of employment activity (an employer’s certificate, contract, or sole-proprietorship documents);
  • proof that the child attends a Polish school/kindergarten (for children of the relevant age).

The exact list of documents depends on your specific situation: check the current list on the ZUS website or at the office where you submit your application.

Where to get more information

FAQ

Does the benefit depend on family income?

No, there is no income threshold: 800+ is paid regardless of parents’ earnings.

What changed compared to the previous 500+ programme?

The amount rose from PLN 500 to PLN 800, the benefit is now paid for every child (not just from the second), and from 2026 third-country nationals must pass a check on employment activity and the child’s schooling in Poland.

What happens if I don’t confirm employment activity after 1 June 2026?

ZUS may refuse to extend the payment to a third-country national if the employment-activity condition and/or the child’s schooling in a Polish school is not confirmed.

I recently switched from UKR status to a CUKR residence card, do I need to reapply?

Getting a CUKR card does not automatically end your right to 800+, but the legal basis for the payment changes from UKR-specific rules to the general rules for foreigners with a residence permit. Check whether you need a new application, especially for the benefit period starting June 1, 2026.

Bibliography

Legal status as of: 24.08.2026.

Author: Viktoriya Levandovska, legalization specialist at MojaFirma.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Confirm the current conditions and required documents on the ZUS or gov.pl website right before submitting your application. If something isn’t clear, feel free to book a free consultation with our team.