Poland's ZUS to split 800 Plus benefit to 400 zł per parent in joint custody cases

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) clarifies that the 800 Plus child benefit may be divided between two parents when a court confirms alternating (joint) custody of the child. In such cases each parent receives a separate payment of 400 zł, and both must submit individual applications to ZUS.

If two applications for the same child are filed, ZUS contacts the applicants to verify the correct guardian and resolve discrepancies. Common errors include multiple applications with conflicting data or incorrect PESEL numbers, which can delay payments. The new benefit period runs from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027; applications submitted by 30 April retain continuity, while those filed in May or June receive the June payment later in the month. Between 1 February and 29 April 2026, ZUS received over 3.5 million applications for the new 800 Plus cycle.