Poland Proposes to Limit 800+ Assistance for Ukrainians: What Will Change?

Poland is discussing changes to the Family 800+ program that could limit social assistance for Ukrainians who do not work and do not pay taxes. Find out more about how this will affect Ukrainian families and what arguments are being raised in the debate

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There is an active debate in Poland about changes to the Family 800+ social assistance program, which provides 800 zlotys for each child under 18.

Politicians are increasingly talking about limiting this benefit for Ukrainians who do not work or pay taxes in Poland.

Will 800+ payments be limited for Ukrainians who do not work: what is known

The main idea of the proposed changes is to pay social assistance only to those migrants who work and pay taxes in Poland. This is intended to stimulate labor activity among foreigners and reduce state budget expenditures.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who is a presidential candidate from the Civic Coalition, called for limiting the 800+ program for Ukrainians who are not officially employed.

According to him, state aid should be available only to those who work, pay taxes and contribute to the development of the Polish economy. This approach, in his opinion, will help create a fairer system of resource distribution.

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What do you know about the positions of other political forces?

The Law and Solidarity Party (PiS) supported Trzaskowski's initiative. They even proposed a bill regulating the payment of social assistance only to working migrants. Politicians emphasize that this will help prevent abuse of the social system.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed support for this proposal. He said that social assistance should be available only to those foreigners who actually live, work and pay taxes in the country. Tusk promised that the government would consider the bill as soon as possible.

The Deputy Prime Minister also positively assessed the proposed changes. He emphasized the importance of migrants participating in financing the Polish economy through taxes. According to Kosiniak-Kamysh, social assistance should serve as support for active members of society.

Speaker of the Sejm and presidential candidate Shimon Golovnya has a different opinion. He said he did not see the need for radical changes to the 800+ program. Golovnya emphasized the difficult situation of many Ukrainian families fleeing the war and stressed the importance of humanitarian support.

Social and economic consequences

Potential changes to the 800+ program could have both positive and negative consequences.

On the one hand, it will reduce the financial burden on the Polish budget and encourage migrants to seek official employment.

On the other hand, the restriction of assistance may worsen the situation of families who are unable to work in Poland due to the circumstances of the war.

The issue also concerns the integration of Ukrainians into Polish society. If the amendments are adopted, there is a risk of increased social tension between the local population and migrants, especially in cases where families will be left without support.

The discussion of changes to the Family 800+ program demonstrates how important the topic of social justice and integration of migrants into Polish society is. Despite the different positions of political forces, the main goal is to create a balanced system that takes into account the interests of both the local population and foreigners. 

We remind you! A social survey found that one in three Ukrainians currently living in Poland arrived in the country less than six months ago. Thus, the percentage of those who entered this country as refugees has significantly decreased. We told you what the main purpose of Ukrainians travelling to Poland is now.

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