From July 1, 2025 The Social Insurance Institution starts recruitment of applications for benefits from the Good Start programme, which is 300 PLN for each learning child. This programme supports families in purchasing the essential school expedition, and this year crucial changes have been made to simplify and accelerate the application process. Recruitment will proceed until November 30, 2025However, to receive money before the start of the school year, it is worth applying as shortly as possible.
Electronic submission of applications – a key change
The most crucial novelty in the Good Start 2025 edition is the full ban on paper applications. Applications may be submitted only electronically utilizing 3 available channels:
- mZUS mobile application,
- electronic banking,
- Emp@tia portal.
This requires parents and caregivers to have basic skills to operate electronic devices and access to the Internet. The application requires key data specified as the bank account number, email address, telephone number and details of the children and schools they attend.
Age criteria and entitlement to benefit
The Good Start program is aimed at students aged from 7 to 20 yearswho actively attend school. For children with disability, the advanced age limit increases to 24 years. Age is calculated year by year, which means that students of the last classes of technicians, advanced schools or post-secondary schools besides have the right to supply if they meet the age criterion before the start of the school year.
It is worth noting that the programme does not include children attending kindergartens, including “zeroes”, or university students. Importantly, no income criterion – the allowance is granted to all eligible families regardless of their earnings.
Payment procedure and key deadlines for parents
ZUS guarantees that applications submitted and correctly completed to 31 August will be considered and payment of the benefit will take place at the latest by 30 September. This word is peculiarly crucial for families who plan school purchases before the start of the school year. Applications submitted after that date will besides be examined, but payment of the benefit will be delayed.
The fresh provision allows adult students who do not stay dependent on their parents to submit applications. This right besides includes self-reliance, e.g. those leaving the foster care system. This step aims to increase the availability of benefits for young people who are themselves liable for their maintenance and education.
Allocation of resources and relevance of the programme
Benefits 300 zł to aid families pay for the acquisition of school leave. In practice, these funds can be utilized to acquisition textbooks, notebooks, school supplies, backpacks or another learning accessories.
The Good Start program has been operating for many years and according to ZUS data in 2024 the cost of its implementation exceeded PLN 1.3 billionand the beneficiaries were around 4.6 million children A year. This is 1 of the key social solutions addressed to families with learning children, which effectively reduces the financial burden before the fresh school year.
Starting with July 1, 2025 Good Start recruitment primarily introduces the request to submit applications only electronically. Parents should take care of timely submission of papers in order to receive payment by the end of September and calmly prepare their children for the school year.
It is besides worth paying attention to the fresh anticipation for adult students to apply, which increases access to assistance for self-reliance youth.
The Good Start programme remains 1 of the most crucial instruments for supporting families, helping them to pay for their education costs and reducing the financial barriers associated with the acquisition of the essential school expedition.
Read more:
There's a call on 300 plus at ZUS. Good Start 2025 – key changes and deadlines
