Poland opens applications for school supply benefit program

Applications for the ‘Dobry Start’ program, which provides a one-time 300 PLN payment for school supplies, opened on July 1 for the 2026/2027 school year. The benefit is available to students up to age 20, or up to age 24 for students with disabilities, regardless of family income. Eligible applicants include parents, legal guardians, and foster caregivers. Applications must be submitted online through ZUS platforms, the Emp@tia portal, or electronic banking.

While nearly 3 million applications have been submitted and over 500 million PLN distributed, reports indicate that the 300 PLN benefit is increasingly insufficient due to inflation. Since its introduction in 2018, the amount has not been indexed. Surveys suggest that many parents anticipate school expenses will significantly exceed the government support, with many expecting costs to reach 500 PLN, 750 PLN, or even over 1,000 PLN per child.