Starting from October 1, 2026, significant changes to the rules for granting support from the alimony fund will come into effect, as announced by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy on January 22, 2026 (item 138, Journal of Laws of 2026, item 79, Article 9(2f) of the Act on Assistance to Persons Entitled to Alimony).
The key change is a substantial increase in the income threshold qualifying for the benefit, which will rise from the current 1,209 złoty to 1,665 złoty per person in the family. This update to the criteria is a direct response to rising minimum wages and the changing economic situation, allowing financial assistance to reach a broader group of those in need.
It's worth remembering the "złoty for złoty" mechanism, which provides flexibility in granting benefits. Under this solution, exceeding the set income limit (currently: 1,209 złoty per person in the family) does not mean immediate loss of the right to support. Instead of completely withdrawing aid, the paid amount is simply reduced by the amount by which the per-person income exceeds the established threshold. This prevents situations where a small pay raise at work would drastically worsen the household budget by losing the entire benefit.
The duration of support is strictly tied to the child's age and education stage. Standardly, assistance is provided until the age of majority, but for those continuing education in schools or higher education institutions, this period extends until the completion of 25 years of age. An exception applies to children with a ruling of significant degree of disability, for whom state financial support has no time limits and is provided indefinitely.