Complete guide to daycare subsidy

Subsidies for childcare in nursery, kindergarten or children's club (also known as 'nursery subsidy' or 'nursery +') is a family support program introduced by the Act of February 24, 2022 amending the Act on Care for Children under 3 years of age and other acts. The program came into force on April 1, 2022 and aims to support families in covering part of the costs of caring for preschool-age children, enabling parents to return to work after maternity or parental leave. The subsidy is granted for a child from the age of 1 year until turning 3 years old (i.e., until the day before the child's 3rd birthday). The subsidy amount depends on the family's monthly net income and is progressively set: for income up to 2000 PLN - subsidy is 400 PLN monthly, for income 2000-4000 PLN - 300 PLN monthly, for income 4000-6000 PLN - 200 PLN monthly, for income 6000-8000 PLN - 100 PLN monthly. For income exceeding 8000 PLN per person in the family, the subsidy is not granted. In the case of a family with more than one child, each child can receive the subsidy on the same terms. The subsidy is paid directly to the parent's bank account, not to the nursery or kindergarten account. Parents can combine the subsidy with other benefits, such as 800+ or maternity allowance. The application for subsidy is submitted to the Social Assistance Center (OPS) or District Family Support Center (PCPR) appropriate for the place of residence. An application can also be submitted electronically via the Emp@tia portal. The application can be submitted at any time of the year, and the decision is issued within 30 days of submitting a complete application. The subsidy is granted from the date of application submission (or later, if the child does not yet attend nursery).

SUBSIDY AMOUNT BY INCOME:

• Up to 2000 PLN/mo - 400 PLN/mo (max. support)
• 2000-4000 PLN/mo - 300 PLN/mo
• 4000-6000 PLN/mo - 200 PLN/mo
• 6000-8000 PLN/mo - 100 PLN/mo
• Above 8000 PLN - no subsidy

Requirements and documents:

• Child aged 1-3 years (until age 3)
• Child attends nursery, kindergarten or children's club
• Parents work or run a business
• Documents: ID cards, nursery contract, income certificate
• Place of residence: Poland

How to submit an application:

• At OPS/PCPR appropriate for place of residence
• Electronically via Emp@tia portal
• Required documents: ID cards, nursery contract
• Decision within 30 days
• Can be submitted during school year

Where can childcare be used:

• Nursery (public or private)
• Kindergarten (public or private)
• Children's club
• Day caregiver (registered)