From 1 July 2024, parents and guardians can apply for a one-time benefit of PLN 300 from the “Good Start” program. This benefit is available for every child in school aged 7 to 20, and in the case of children with a recognized disability – until they reach the age of 24. The aim of the program is to financially support parents in purchasing school supplies, i.e. textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies.
How to apply
Applications for the benefit can be submitted only electronically from 1 July to 30 November 2024. You can choose one of the convenient solutions.
- mZUS app: Available for download in Google Play and App Store. After downloading the app, connect it to your profile on the ZUS Electronic Services Platform (PUE),
- online banking: Many banks allow you to submit an application directly through their online banking systems,
- Emp@tia Portal: You can also use the government’s Emp@tia portal.
Parents ought to provide a bank account number, email address, and phone number. In the case of adult students who are not supported by their parents, it is possible to submit the application independently.
When can you expect to receive benefits?
Applications submitted by 31 August 2024 guarantee payment of the benefit by 30 September 2024 at the latest. Applications submitted after this date will be processed within two months.
300+ for people from Ukraine
On July 1, 2024, the Act of May 15, 2024, amending the Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict in the Territory of Ukraine and certain other acts entered into force, which changes the rules for granting the “Good Start” benefit to people from Ukraine. It will still be possible to receive funding for a layette, but a specific requirement has appeared: the child must attend a kindergarten or school belonging to the Polish education system. These changes will apply from the 2025/2026 school year.
Additional information
The “Good Start” benefit is also available to children in foster care and to people who are becoming independent and leaving foster care. In these cases, the application can be submitted by a foster family, a person running a family children’s home, the director of a care and education facility or a regional care and therapy facility.
Applications for benefits can only be submitted electronically, and all correspondence regarding the application is available on the PUE ZUS profile. If you need to correct the application, log in to your profile on the PUE ZUS portal and follow the instructions.
The Good Start 300+ program is a significant financial support for families preparing their children for the new school year. The electronic method of submitting applications and a wide range of support, including children with disabilities and people becoming independent, make it an easily accessible program for many families. We encourage you to take advantage of this support and submit applications on time to receive the benefit on time.
If you have additional questions about the program, you can contact the ZUS Telephone Service Center (COT) on working days from Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. by calling 22 560 16 00 or by sending an e-mail to: cot@zus.pl. Assistance is also available at all ZUS offices and during an e-visit at ZUS.
