Ukrainian families in Poland can apply for 300 zlotys for preparing their child for the new school year. An additional 100 zlotys is available to some low-income families, but this benefit is not included in the Dobry Start program and is not automatically granted. Visit Ukraine reports.
The Dobry Start payment is provided once a year for each student regardless of family income. The funds can be used for stationery, textbooks, clothing, computer equipment, and other school supplies.
Conditions for Dobry Start for Ukrainians in Poland from July 1, 2026
Assistance is granted to schoolchildren up to 20 years old. If the child has a confirmed disability, the age limit is 24 years. Payments are not provided for kindergarten children, preparatory classes (zerówka), and students.
Starting from July 1, 2026, additional requirements have been introduced for Ukrainians with UKR status and some other foreigners. The applicant must be employed in Poland or have health insurance in the month preceding the application submission. Additionally, parents must reside together with the child in Poland, and the schoolchild with UKR status must study in a Polish educational institution.
Exemptions are provided for applicants who apply for assistance for a child with Polish citizenship or a disability. Updated rules have been published by the Ministry of Family of Poland.
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How to apply for Dobry Start in Poland by November 30, 2026
Applications are accepted only online from July 1 to November 30 via:
- the eZUS portal or the mZUS app;
- the government portal Emp@tia;
- electronic banking of Polish banks.
If documents are submitted by the end of August, ZUS will transfer 300 zlotys no later than September 30. Applications submitted in September, October, or November will be processed within two months.
An additional 100 zlotys at the beginning of the school year is not paid through Dobry Start. This is an addition to the family benefit (zasiłek rodzinny), which is processed in the commune or local social assistance center.
The eligibility depends on income: no more than 674 zlotys net per person or 764 zlotys if there is a child with a disability in the family. Therefore, 400 zlotys can only be obtained after the approval of two separate applications.
As a reminder, in Poland there are plans to incarcerate for 30 years for violations in the army.