# Back-to-school cost increases in Central Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/back-to-school-cost-increases-in-central-europe
> Updated: 2026-09-06T09:26:26.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 3.

Rising costs for back-to-school supplies continue to impact families in Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, approximately half of parents anticipate higher expenses for school equipment. In Slovakia, one in five households expects to spend more than 5,000 CZK on preparations. While some institutions have introduced vouchers, economist Linda Kunertová noted that applications for extraordinary assistance through labor offices remain low, with fewer than 1,500 households applying.

In Poland, the ‘Dobry Start’ (or ‘300 plus’) program provides 300 PLN per child to assist with textbooks and equipment. The benefit is available for students up to age 20, or age 24 for those with disabilities, regardless of income. It excludes university students and those in ‘zerówka’ (preparatory classes). 

As of early September, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reported significant activity regarding the program. Since July, ZUS has received approximately 2.9 million applications covering over 4.3 million students, having distributed more than 1.1 billion PLN. While earlier guidance urged electronic applications by the end of August to ensure payment by September 30, ZUS has since reminded parents of a November 30 deadline for applications. Applications submitted in September, October, or November are typically processed within two months. Despite the support, experts note that the actual cost of school supplies is rising, often exceeding the 300 PLN benefit.

## Claims

- One in five households expects to spend more than 5,000 CZK on back-to-school expenses. (single source)
- Basic equipment for a first-grade student costs approximately 3,500 CZK. (single source)
- The price of indoor shoes has increased by nearly one-third year-over-year, while lunch boxes have decreased by one-third. (single source)
- School bags remain the most expensive item, averaging over 1,600 CZK. (single source)
- Fewer than 1,500 households applied for extraordinary immediate assistance. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: ZUS reminds parents of November 30 deadline for school allowance

Parents in Poland must apply for the 300 PLN ‘Dobry Start’ school allowance by November 30 via electronic channels. The benefit is available for school-aged children regardless of family income.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zus-reminds-parents-of-november-30-deadline-for-school-allowance

### 2026-08-18: Poland: ZUS urges parents to apply for 300 PLN school benefit

Polish authorities urge parents to apply for the ‘300 plus’ school supply benefit by the end of August to ensure payment by September 30.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/back-to-school-costs-rise-for-families-in-czech-republic-and-slovakia

### 2026-08-15: Czech parents expect higher costs for school supplies

Parents expect higher costs for school supplies this year, while funding for new gardens is reportedly declining.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-parents-expect-higher-costs-for-school-supplies

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Cite as: Back-to-school cost increases in Central Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/back-to-school-cost-increases-in-central-europe