Poland opens applications for 300 zł school starter kit from July 1
Parents and guardians can apply electronically from July 1 for the annual 300 zł Dobry Start benefit per school-aged child. The programme covers pupils aged 7–20 (24 if disabled) and excludes preschoolers and university students.
Application window and deadlines
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will accept applications for the 2026/27 school year from 1 July to 30 November. Parents who submit a correctly completed form by the end of August receive payment no later than 30 September. For applications filed in September, October or November, the money is paid within two months of submission.
- Applications open for the 2026/27 school year.
- Deadline for applying to receive payment by 30 September.
- Payment date for applicants who submitted by end of August.
- Final application deadline.
Who qualifies for the 300 zł
The benefit is paid once per year for each child aged 7 to 20 who is enrolled in school, with an upper age limit of 24 for children holding a disability certificate. It does not cover children in reception classes (zerówka) or university students. ZUS applies a rule of counting age by birth year, so final-year secondary school and post-secondary school pupils who have already turned 20 (or 24) before the new school year begins are still entitled.
How to apply
Applications can be lodged exclusively online via four channels: the mZUS mobile app, ZUS’s Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS), electronic banking, or the Emp@tia portal. The form must include the child’s details, the school they attend or will attend, the applicant’s bank account number, email address and telephone number. Full-age pupils who are not dependent on their parents, as well as persons leaving foster care, may apply independently.
Payment and communication
All correspondence from ZUS – including requests to complete missing information, decisions granting or refusing the benefit – is placed in the applicant’s PUE ZUS inbox, even when the application was submitted via banking or Emp@tia. Payments are made exclusively to the indicated bank account.
Calls for valorisation
The programme was introduced for the 2018/2019 school year under the Law and Justice (PiS) government. The benefit amount has remained at 300 zł despite rising costs of school supplies over nearly eight years. Some voices argue it should be indexed, drawing a parallel with the 500+ child benefit which was raised to 800 zł in 2024.
