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2026-08-20 00:27 UTC → 2026-09-06 11:21 UTC ·
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Initial reports indicated that Rising costs for back-to-school supplies continue to impact families in Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, approximately half of parents in the Czech Republic anticipated anticipate higher costs expenses for school equipment. Subsequent data expanded this scope to include families in In Slovakia, noting that one in five households expects to spend more than 5,000 CZK on back-to-school preparations. Specific price fluctuations were observed, such as indoor shoes increasing in price by nearly one-third, while lunch boxes became one-third cheaper. To address these financial pressures, While some institutions have introduced promotional offers and vouchers. However, vouchers, economist Linda Kunertová noted that applications for extraordinary assistance through labor offices remain low, with fewer than 1,500 households applying, a figure she suggests is disproportionately small relative to the number of children facing poverty. applying. In Poland, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy are encouraging parents to utilize the ‘Dobry Start’ program, also referred to as (or ‘300 plus’. This initiative plus’) program provides 300 PLN per child to help cover the costs of assist with textbooks and equipment. The benefit is available for students up to age 20, or up to age 24 for those with disabilities, regardless of family income. Recent updates emphasize that to ensure payment by September 30, officials recommend submitting applications electronically by the end of August. While the benefit supports many, it is not available for It excludes university students or and those in ‘zerówka’ (preparatory classes). Amidst these efforts, reports indicate that the average cost of school supplies is rising, with some families facing estimated expenses between 600 PLN and 1,400 PLN. As of mid-August, early September, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reported significant activity regarding the program. Since July, ZUS has already processed millions of received approximately 2.9 million applications and disbursed hundreds of millions covering over 4.3 million students, having distributed more than 1.1 billion PLN. While earlier guidance urged electronic applications by the end of PLN across various regions in Poland. To guarantee August to ensure payment by the September 30 deadline, 30, ZUS has since reminded parents of a November 30 deadline for applications. Applications submitted in September, October, or November are urged to submit applications via typically processed within two months. Despite the mZUS app, support, experts note that the eZUS portal, electronic banking, or actual cost of school supplies is rising, often exceeding the Emp@tia portal. 300 PLN benefit.