Poland Tightens Social Benefits Rules for Foreigners, Extends Protection for Ukrainians

Poland plans to tighten social security rules for foreigners while continuing temporary protection for Ukrainians who have fled the war.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to Polskie Radio.

The bill was published after President Nawrocki vetoed the previous amendment and aims to combine the EU's requirement to extend temporary protection with stricter conditions for foreigners' access to social benefits.

In particular, foreigners outside the EU will be able to receive “800 plus” child benefits only if one of the parents works in Poland and the children attend school.

The statement adds that social benefits should not be the sole source of income, as foreigners are expected to have the means to support themselves.

Similar restrictions apply to the “Good Start” benefit, where eligibility will depend on employment or health insurance.

The bill also provides for regular checks on the legality of social benefit recipients' stay through the Border Guard database and stricter document checks, including the use of fingerprints.

To obtain a PESEL national identification number, the applicant's personal presence will be mandatory, with the exception of children born in Poland.

For Ukrainians, the bill extends temporary protection until March 4, 2026, ensuring legal residence, access to the labor market and collective housing, as well as the extension of residence permits and identity documents.

At the same time, tax breaks and humanitarian preferences for Ukrainians will remain in place until the end of 2026, but stricter rules will be introduced to prevent fraud and abuse.

Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk stressed that the law will help avoid chaos after September 30, and the government plans to consider the draft by the end of September.

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