The 800+ programme, which is simply a continuation and extension of the 500+ flagship project, could await a major improvement after the 2025 presidential election. Although circumstantial changes have not yet been officially announced, Ryszard Petru of the 3rd Way suggests that the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure may force the introduction of an income criterion to the 800+ programme, we learn from the Infor.pl portal.
One of the main scenarios under consideration is the restoration of the income criterion that can only apply to the first child. The left part of the political scene has already proposed to make payments dependent on the income criterion or to limit them to families where at least 1 parent works.
Given the request to adapt budgetary expenditure to the excessive deficit procedure, these ideas have a real chance to implement.
History and Transformation of the 500+ Program
The 500+ household Program, launched on 1 April 2016 by the Law and Justice, initially offered PLN 500 for each second and subsequent kid in the family, and on the first only after fulfilling the income criterion.
As of 1 July 2019, the income criterion was removed, which allowed the payment of benefit to all children in the household regardless of income. As of 1 January 2024, the amount of the benefit increased to PLN 800, which was a consequence to the falling real value of the benefit.
Challenges and Opportunities – 800+ programme
Currently, Poland must face the excessive deficit procedure, which means that expenditure needs to be rationalised. The possibilities are different: from spending cuts, by expanding gross to budget, to seeking innovative solutions. The improvement of the 800 plus programme could be an chance to revolutionise the welfare system, where crucial sums are spent on the strategy itself.
Political Perspectives
The thought of introducing an income criterion or limiting the benefit to families with working parents can benefit most of the parliament, especially in the face of the request for budget savings. However, the question of whether these changes will be popular adequate to gain the President's approval remains open. Unpopular decisions are frequently postponed until after the election, so as not to discourage voters.
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