Poland is going to tighten the rules for receiving aid for Ukrainians: what do you need to know?

Poland is actively discussing possible tightening of the rules for payments to foreigners, including Ukrainians with temporary protection status. The main goal of the proposed changes is to reduce unjustified budget expenditures and encourage official employment and tax payments. There is a risk that some families may find themselves in a difficult situation

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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We have already mentioned that the debate over budgetary expenditures on support for foreigners, including Ukrainians with temporary protection status, is gaining momentum in Poland. However, now there are more detailed explanations of the planned amendments that may directly affect the recipients of assistance. Let's find out what exactly is planned to be changed and how it may affect Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland.

Why did the discussion around the 800+ programme arise?

The 800+ programme, which was launched on 1 February, is intended to support families raising children and stimulate the birth rate. In the run-up to the upcoming elections, the issue of ‘extra’ spending from the state budget has become particularly relevant. Politicians and public figures are actively discussing whether and under what conditions to continue paying benefits to foreigners.

The focus is on people with UKR status, i.e. temporary protection granted to Ukrainian citizens because of the war. It is for them that additional requirements are planned to be introduced, compliance with which will give them the right to receive assistance.

What changes are planned to be made to the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine?

As we mentioned earlier, on 20 January 2025, a draft law amending the current Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine was adopted. The amendments, in particular, concern Article 26 of this law and introduce the following conditions for receiving child benefit in Poland:

1. Employment or entrepreneurship

2. a foreigner with a temporary protection status is obliged to officially work or conduct business in Poland.

Fulfilment of tax obligations

It is necessary to pay taxes in Poland (personal income tax, social security contributions, etc.), without attempts to evade or abuse tax privileges.

If both points are met, the person retains the right to assistance under the programme (so to speak, ‘800+’). Otherwise, payments may be terminated.

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Additional conditions for continuing payments

In addition to the two key conditions (work and taxes), the draft law also sets out other requirements related to residence and study:

1. Living with the child in Poland. This means actually staying in the territory of the Republic of Poland during the period when the allowance is granted.

2. compulsory education. The child must regularly attend a kindergarten (zerówka), school or other educational institution appropriate to his/her age.

3. Proof of employment status. Information on employment or entrepreneurship must be regularly updated to prevent cases where a person is formally employed but not actually working.

4. Proof of tax payment. You will need to confirm that you have met your tax obligations. If tax payments are stopped, assistance may be suspended until the status is restored.

Important: these changes are primarily aimed at those who are under temporary protection in Poland and are eligible for financial support. For foreigners without UKR status, the requirement is more stringent - they must have a residence card with access to the labour market in order to qualify for assistance.

When will the changes come into force?

The draft law is currently under discussion. According to available information, if adopted, the new conditions will apply to applications submitted from 1 February 2025. Thus, the benefits already granted may continue to be paid under the old rules until the end of the deadline, but any new applications will be considered in accordance with the updated requirements.

What are the consequences?

First of all, it is worth noting that if the draft law is approved, Ukrainian citizens who do not have a permanent job or are engaged in informal activities risk losing access to assistance. This may push many to take up official employment or register a business.

In addition, it is worth noting that Ukrainians will have to collect and provide more certificates and confirmations amid the additional requirements. For some families, this will be a serious obstacle due to the language barrier or lack of necessary contacts.

We remind you! For Ukrainian students in Poland, the rules of eighth-grade exams have changed slightly. Now students will have more time to complete tasks in each subject.

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