Aktywny rodzic Programme: Who Can Receive It and How Much Is the Benefit?

Starting from October 2024, parents in Poland (including working Ukrainians) can take advantage of new benefits under the "Aktywny rodzic" (Active Parent) programme. Poles popularly refer to this programme as babciowe, as it covers the cost of childcare provided by a nanny, relatives, a nursery, etc., while the parents are at work.

The recently adopted law introduces three key benefits aimed at parents who work and raise children. Below we outline the conditions and benefit amounts for each of these programmes.

General Eligibility Requirements

What do you need to know about the eligibility conditions for the Aktywny rodzic benefit, which has been in effect since 1 October 2024?

1. The financial benefit under the "Active Parents" programme may be received by: → Polish citizens; → foreigners legally residing in the country on the basis of a residence permit / karta pobytu with a work permit valid for more than 9 months; → foreigners running their own business on Polish territory; → foreigners staying in Poland on a visa that grants the right to conduct scientific research.
2. The financial support can be received by both parents and legal guardians of children.
3. The benefit is paid regardless of the number of children being raised by the family.
4. Under the Aktywny rodzic programme, only one type of financial support can be used at a time. However, other forms of child co-financing can be received simultaneously, for example under the 800+ programme.
5. If the parents are separated but a court has established joint custody of the child, the benefit amount is split equally – 50% each.
6. If it is found that parents previously received a similar benefit for the child in another country (e.g. nursery co-financing) or that the funds were used for purposes other than intended, the parents lose their right to receive benefits under the programme. 7. It is currently unclear whether Ukrainians residing in Poland on the basis of PESEL UKR are eligible to receive the Aktywny rodzic benefit.
7. To apply for the benefit, parents must contact the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). The following set of documents will be required: ▶ PESEL numbers of the parents; ▶ PESEL number of the child; ▶ if no PESEL number is available – a document confirming identity; ▶ for foreigners – a document confirming the right to legal residence in Poland; ▶ a Polish bank account number; ▶ a certificate from the nursery (for the "Aktywnie w żłobku" benefit); ▶ a document confirming employment (for participation in all programmes except "Aktywnie w domu"). ZUS may request additional documents.
8. The "Aktywni rodzice w pracy" and "Aktywnie w domu" benefits will be paid from the date the application is submitted. The "Aktywnie w żłobku" benefit is paid from the first day the child attends the nursery.
9. If the application is submitted after the child has already started attending the nursery, parents are entitled to back pay for the period during which the benefit was not claimed.

"Active Parents at Work" – Aktywni rodzice w pracy

This is the strand that most closely matches the popular name babciowe.

Who is it for?

For parents who are actively employed and have children aged one to three years (12–35 months).

How much is the benefit?

• PLN 1,500/month for two years (from the 12th to the 35th month of the child's life). Up to PLN 1,500 per month if the child:

• has a disability certificate,

• requires long-term or permanent care.

"Active in Nursery" / Aktywnie w żłobku

Poland has a co-financing programme to reduce fees for a child's stay at a nursery, kindergarten or other childcare facility. This benefit replaces them while offering significantly more favourable conditions for parents. Who is it for? For parents whose child attends a nursery (żłobek) – the entire benefit amount is directed towards covering the cost of the nursery stay.

How much is the benefit?

• PLN 1,500 per month,
• PLN 1,900 if the child has a disability certificate. Important: although the "Aktywni rodzice" programme is intended for parents of children up to 3 years of age, an exception applies to the "Aktywnie w żłobku" strand. If parents face financial difficulties, the benefit may be paid until the child reaches 4 years of age.

"Active at Home" / Aktywnie w domu

Who is it for? For parents who are not employed and whose child does not attend a nursery.

How much is the benefit?

• PLN 500 per month.

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