Applications for assistance will be accepted starting July 1 Dobry Start: what has changed for Ukrainians with temporary protection

In 2025, Ukrainian parents in Poland will once again be able to receive PLN 300 in aid to prepare their children for school as part of the “Good Start” program. Applications will be accepted starting July 1. Find out who is eligible for payments, how to apply online, what documents are required, and what has changed this year

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On July 1, 2025, Poland will officially begin accepting applications for annual assistance under the Dobry Start (Good Start) program. This is financial support in the amount of PLN 300 for each school-age child, provided regardless of family income.

The program covers millions of children, including Ukrainian refugees who are in Poland with temporary protection status.

What is important for parents and guardians to know in 2025? What changes and clarifications have been made regarding Ukrainians with PESEL UKR? We will tell you in detail.

What is Dobry Start (300+) assistance?

This is a one-time cash payment made each year before the start of the new school year. Every child attending school (starting from first grade) is entitled to PLN 300 to cover the cost of school supplies, stationery, a backpack, etc.

The assistance is tax-free and independent of family income.

When to apply?

Applications will be accepted from July 1 to November 30, 2025.

To receive the payment before the start of the school year, it is best to apply by August 31 — then the money should be received no later than September 30.

After November 30, 2025, it will no longer be possible to submit an application, except in certain cases (for example, if the child is diagnosed with a disability after this date).

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How to apply?

Applications for 300+ can only be submitted electronically in one of three ways:

1. Through the Emp@tia portal: empatia.mrpips.gov.pl — you will need a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany).

2. Through the ZUS platform — PUE ZUS.

3. Through electronic banking — many Polish banks have integrated ready-made application forms (PKO BP, mBank, ING, Millenium, Credit Agricole, and others).

If you do not yet have a trusted profile, you should create one in advance, as it is not possible to submit an application via Emp@tia or PUE ZUS without one.

Who is eligible for assistance?

The following are eligible for assistance:

- parents or legal guardians raising children who are attending school;

- adoptive parents or children's institutions;

- adult students who do not have parents or have full legal capacity (after the age of 18).

Assistance is provided to children who:

- attend school in Poland;

- are under 20 years of age (or under 24 years of age in the case of disability);

- do not attend kindergarten or preparatory classes (zerówka).

Who is not eligible for assistance?

- Children who attend kindergarten or zerówka.

- Those who have already completed their education or exceeded the age limit without a recognized disability.

- Persons who do not have a valid PESEL or PESEL UKR number.

What has changed for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR in 2025?

Ukrainians who are in Poland with temporary protection status, as in the previous year, are eligible to apply for 300+ assistance, provided that the following conditions are met:

- The child has a PESEL UKR number.

- They attend a school that is part of the Polish education system.

- The family lives in Poland.

Important! In the new season, ZUS has clearly stated that Ukrainians with PESEL UKR do not need to provide a certificate of legal employment or a document confirming access to the labor market — this is no longer mandatory to participate in the program.

However, ZUS may request a certificate from the school confirming that the child is actually enrolled in a Polish educational institution.

What documents are required?

To apply, you will need:

Passport or ID details of the applicant and the child.

PESEL or PESEL UKR number.

Actual address of residence.

Name and address of the school where the child is studying.

Bank account details (the funds will be transferred to this account).

In some cases: a document confirming guardianship, disability, adoption, etc.

Scanned copies or photos of documents must be uploaded.

When will the payment be made?

If you submit your application by August 31, the payment will be made by the end of September.

If you submit your application later, the payment will be made within two months of submission.

The funds will be transferred to the bank account specified in the application.

The money is not taxable and is not taken into account when calculating other social benefits.

Participation in the “Good Start” program is a real opportunity to make the start of the school year easier for thousands of Ukrainian families in Poland. Importantly, in 2025, participation in the program has become even more accessible for refugees with temporary protection status.

Don't delay in submitting your application — the sooner you submit it, the sooner you will receive the funds. Applications are accepted until November 30, but it is better to complete everything by the end of summer so that the money arrives on time.

Reminder! In 2025, more and more Ukrainians are choosing to study abroad, not only because of the quality of education, but also because of their desire to live and work in a stable environment. Find out how much it costs to study in different countries, what the admission requirements are, what the prospects are for free education, and get useful advice on visas, documents and legal support.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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