Poland raises child support fund income threshold to 1665 PLN per person from October

Higher threshold enters into force

On 1 October 2026, Poland implemented a higher income threshold for individuals seeking financial support from the state Alimony Fund (Fundusz Alimentacyjny). The net income ceiling per family member rose from 1209 PLN to 1665 PLN monthly, representing an increase of 456 PLN or roughly 37.7%. The new figure was established by a formal notice issued by the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy on 22 January 2026. This criterion applies throughout the 2026/2027 benefit period, which runs from 1 October 2026 until 30 September 2027. Eligibility assessments during this operational cycle evaluate household earnings from the 2025 base year, taking into account statutory provisions regarding the loss or acquisition of income. The revision allows families whose rising nominal wages previously pushed them beyond the eligibility limit to qualify for state support.

Household impact and statutory payment ceilings

The threshold adjustment extends financial assistance to households previously disqualified by modest income margins. For a three-person family, the maximum permissible net monthly income climbed from 3627 PLN to 4995 PLN under the new calculations. Disbursements from the fund match court-ordered child support amounts but cannot exceed the upper cap of 1000 PLN per month per beneficiary. This payment ceiling has been in effect since the benefit period that began on 1 October 2024. Consequently, even when a family court awards alimony above 1000 PLN, the state fund limits its monthly transfer to that maximum sum. The change permits single parents and guardians earning near the previous cut-off to maintain or gain access to state payments.

Eligibility criteria and enforcement conditions

Assistance from the fund serves families where judicial execution of child support against an obligated parent has proved ineffective. Under ministerial standards, execution is deemed ineffective when an enforcement authority fails to collect the full owed alimony over the preceding two months. The funds are legally directed to the child rather than the custodial parent. Payouts cover children up to the age of 18, or up to 25 years old if the recipient continues education in a school or university. Beneficiaries diagnosed with a certified significant disability qualify for payments indefinitely without any age ceiling. Legal counsel Daria Baumgart explained the regulatory steps required for eligible applicants to secure these payments when an obligated parent refuses to pay.

Application procedures and tapering rules

Applications for alimony fund support may be submitted by adult entitled children, statutory representatives of minors, or court-appointed legal guardians. The system retains the tapering mechanism known as "złotówka za złotówkę", preventing sudden loss of aid for those exceeding the threshold. When net income per person exceeds 1665 PLN, authorities reduce the monthly payment by the exact sum of the excess. For example, a family entitled to 1000 PLN whose per-person income exceeds the limit by 200 PLN receives a reduced monthly payout of 800 PLN. A lower limit applies to the adjusted benefit; if the final calculated disbursement falls below 100 PLN, no payment is granted. Entitlement extends to Polish citizens and qualifying foreign residents, including those with permanent residence, temporary residence, EU long-term residence, refugee status, or subsidiary protection, provided they reside in Poland throughout the period.