You and your family have moved to Poland? See if the over 500+ child benefit scheme is eligible.

The "Family 500+" ("Rodzina 500+") benefits programme, which was launched in 2016, seeks to increase birth rates in Poland while also providing financial assistance to low-income families. Until recently, all Polish families with two or more minor children were eligible for a tax-free bonus of PLN 500 per month for the second and subsequent children. Low-income families, on the other hand, maybe eligible for the provision on their first child. However, beginning July 1, 2019, all Polish children (under the age of 18) will be eligible for the "Family 500+" payout, regardless of their parents' wages. What about foreigners who live in Poland? Will you still benefit from the programme? Continue reading to learn more.

500+ FOR FOREIGN VISITORS

International citizens of Poland could be eligible for the 500+ advantage if they meet the following criteria:

the rules governing social security coordination (which state that as an EU citizen, you have access to social security programmes in other EU member states but can only obtain benefits in one);
Bilateral social security arrangements have been negotiated between the Republic of Poland and other countries (including Canada, the United States, Australia, Moldova, South Korea, and Ukraine - in short, citizens of these countries are qualified for the 500+ benefit).

Furthermore, foreigners who live in Poland with their children are eligible for the 500+ gain if:

• They have obtained a residency permit for the purpose of highly skilled employment;
• they have access to the Polish labour market (except for third-country citizens whose work permit is valid for less than 6 months, who have been issued a residence permit for the purpose of studies, or who may perform work on the basis of a visa);
• they have obtained a temporary residence permit for the purpose of studying or doing work on the basis of a visa;

It should be noted that the privilege is available to all families, regardless of the marital status of the parents.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

You should apply in person at your district office (urzd dzielnicy/gminy), online at empatia.mrpips.gov.pl, through PUE ZUS , or through your online banking system (if your bank is on this list).