Poland limits 800+ for Ukrainians: who will lose benefits from 2025

According to hvylya.net: Poland is preparing for changes in the social program '800 plus', which provides monthly payments for children. Until September 30, 2025, Ukrainian refugees will still receive this assistance under the same conditions as Poles, but the rules may become significantly stricter thereafter.

The Ministry of the Interior has proposed to limit access to benefits for foreigners, leaving them only for those Ukrainians who are officially employed, contribute to the social system, and have children attending local schools or kindergartens.

According to the InPoland portal, the bill is to be submitted for government consideration in September. If adopted, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will conduct checks to ensure compliance with the requirements, gaining the authority to verify applicants' data with the border guard. This will allow the cessation of payments in case of loss of legal status or non-compliance with the criteria.

New conditions for providing assistance

The initiator of the changes is the new President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, who advocated for a reduction in social programs for Ukrainians. He emphasized that assistance should only be provided to those who work and pay taxes. The previous bill, which envisioned maintaining existing conditions and guaranteed Ukrainian families 800 zlotys per child and free access to healthcare and education at least until March 2026, was vetoed by Nawrocki.

Initially, there was a dispute between the president and the government regarding these decisions, but a compromise was ultimately reached. The new version of the document includes changes not only in benefits and access to medical care but also a revision of the citizenship acquisition procedure. Instead of three years, it may be extended to ten.

Changes may be made to the social program '800 plus' in Poland regarding the conditions for providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees. Updates suggest that only those Ukrainians who are officially employed, contribute, and have children attending school or kindergarten will be eligible for assistance.