Refugees from Ukraine residing in Poland can apply for the Becikowe allowance for newborn children. Find out more about the application procedure, who can apply for the benefit, and the criteria for receiving it

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In 2023, all parents of newborns in Poland who meet certain conditions will be able to receive the Becikowe allowance. Read on to find out what this program is and how to apply for funds.

What is the Becikowe program in Poland?

"Becikowe" is a one-time allowance of 1000 PLN, which is provided at the birth of a child. This support is part of the family allowance system in Poland. 

The funds are transferred to a bank account or delivered by postal order.

Who is eligible for the allowance?

The following persons are eligible to receive the allowance:

• Polish citizens residing in Poland.

• Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (Switzerland, Great Britain).

• persons who have the citizenship of another country but have obtained a temporary residence or work permit in Poland.

It is important to note that Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, also have the opportunity to apply for the Becikowe allowance.

Who can apply for Becikowe?

The one-time payment can be applied for by:

- one of the child's parents;

- the child's legal guardian, i.e. a person to whom the court has delegated custody

- the actual guardian of the child who filed an application for adoption with the court.

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However, there are several criteria to consider in order to receive the Becikowe allowance:

1. A pregnant woman must be registered in a medical facility no later than 10 weeks before childbirth, as evidenced by a medical certificate from a doctor or obstetrician (except for guardians).

2. The amount of family income per person must not exceed PLN 1922.

3. The application must be submitted no later than 12 months after the child's birth.

4. For guardians applying for the allowance, the documents should be submitted no later than 12 months from the date of the official start of guardianship or adoption (in this case, the allowance is provided to children under 18 years of age).

There are also peculiarities for Ukrainians who came to Poland because of the Russian aggression: their income is considered only for those family members who are also in Poland.

What documents are required?

To apply for Becikowe, you need to have the following documents:

- application for assistance ("wniosek o becikowe");

- personal data of the parents and the child;

- PESEL number (personal identification number);

- original and copy of the child's birth certificate;

- bank account number for transferring funds;

- a medical certificate from a doctor or obstetrician confirming that the mother was registered in a medical institution no later than 10 weeks before the birth;

- a certificate of family income (if necessary, documents confirming loss of income or changes in it);

0 a document confirming the legal status of residence in Poland for foreigners;

- a written declaration that the child benefit has not been granted before;

- e-mail address.

For Ukrainians who crossed the border after February 24, 2022 - a stamp with the date of crossing the border (in a passport or other document).

Parents raising a child on their own must additionally submit the following documents:

- a copy of the marital status certificate (if one of the parents is deceased or unknown)

- a document from the court establishing the obligation to pay child support to one of the parents or confirming the refusal to collect child support.

The procedure for applying for the Becikowe can be completed in person at the local residence office (Urząd gminy/miasta), at a social assistance center, by mail or online. 

To apply online, you need to:

1. Register on the Emp@tia portal using an electronic signature or a trusted profile.

2. Enter your personal data.

3. Fill out the application.

4. Wait for a response from the competent authority responsible for the place of residence.

Application processing usually takes 1-2 months. In case of a positive decision, the funds are transferred to the bank account indicated in the application.

If your application for Becikowe assistance is rejected, you have the right to appeal this decision. To do so, you can file an appeal with the local government's appeal committee within 14 days. Filing an appeal is free of charge.

We remind you! From now on, Ukrainians will no longer be able to obtain a Polish visa while staying in Poland. Read more about the new rules for obtaining a visa in our article.

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