Dobry Start (300+): How to Apply for the Back-to-School Benefit

The start of the school year always brings expenses. Textbooks, notebooks, a uniform, shoes - all at the same time. Poland helps parents cover at least part of the cost. The Dobry Start programme pays PLN 300 for each school-age child - as a one-off payment, every year, with no income assessment. In this article, we explain who is entitled to the benefit, what conditions apply to Ukrainians with UKR status, and how to submit an application online in 2026.

What Is Dobry Start (300+)?

Dobry Start is a government programme that pays PLN 300 per school-age child every year. The funds are intended to cover the cost of preparing for the new school year: textbooks, notebooks, clothing and sports equipment. The benefit is paid once per year and does not depend on family income - anyone who meets the programme's conditions is entitled to receive it.

Families who have moved to Poland are also eligible, provided the child is enrolled in a Polish school.

Who Is Entitled to the Benefit?

The 300+ benefit is available to parents or guardians of school-age children. The key conditions are as follows:

• the child must be between 7 and 20 years of age; in the case of disability - up to the age of 24;
• the child must be attending school - not a nursery, not a "reception class" (klasa zerowa) and not a university;
• the application is submitted by one parent or the official legal guardian; if a child is in the care of two people living separately, each guardian may receive PLN 150.

Conditions for Ukrainians with UKR Status

If you have come from Ukraine and hold UKR status, here is what you additionally need to know.

Firstly, one of the parents or the guardian must be in official employment in the month preceding the month of application. If you are applying in July, you must have been officially employed in June.

Secondly, the child must be enrolled in a Polish school. From the 2025/2026 school year, this is a mandatory condition - without enrolment, the benefit will not be granted.

Thirdly, the application form must include details of the border-crossing document and the document confirming legal residence in Poland - both for the adult and for the child.

Application and Payment Deadlines in 2026

Applications for the 2026/2027 school year opened on 1 July and will be accepted until 30 November.

Payment deadlines depend on the date of application:

• application by 31 August - payment by 30 September;
• application in September - payment by 31 October;
• application in October - payment by 30 November;
• application in November - payment by 31 December.

Funds are paid exclusively to the bank account specified in the application.

How to Submit an Application

Applications can be submitted online only - ZUS does not accept paper applications. There are four ways to apply:

• mZUS app - a free ZUS app for smartphones, available on the App Store and Google Play. The most convenient option for those who already have a verified profile.
• PUE ZUS platform (eZUS) - the official ZUS website. Login requires a Profil Zaufany account or authorisation through a bank.
• Online banking - some Polish banks (PKO BP, mBank, Santander and others) allow you to submit an application directly through their internet banking service.
• Emp@tia portal - the government social services portal. Also requires authorisation via Profil Zaufany.

After the application is submitted, ZUS sends a confirmation. The status can be tracked via the app or on the PUE ZUS platform.

Advice from Gremi Personal

Tip 1: Submit your application in July or August The best time to apply is before 31 August. The funds will arrive by 30 September - exactly when they are needed most. Those who apply later will wait longer.

Tip 2: Prepare your documents in advance The application requires: the PESEL number of the parent/guardian and the child, details of the border-crossing document, and a document confirming legal residence in Poland. If applying via eZUS or Emp@tia, an active Profil Zaufany account is required.

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