Direct payments to families increasing, but fertility rate is not
Over the past decade, spending on family support in Poland has increased more than sixfold. Despite this, birth rates continue to decline, exacerbating the demographic crisis. The latest OECD report suggests that the issue may lie in housing.
In 2024, the Polish government plans to spend nearly PLN 90 billion on family support, a record high, primarily due to increased child benefits. Programs like "500 Plus" and "300 Plus" have significantly boosted family expenditures, but have only temporarily increased birth rates, which have since declined.
The OECD report indicates that financial transfers alone are insufficient. Key factors influencing low fertility include economic and social changes, such as increased female education, better contraception, and higher housing costs. Poland, facing rapidly rising housing prices and economic uncertainty, struggles with these issues. Young Poles find it increasingly difficult to become financially independent, partly due to high housing costs, which directly impact fertility rates. The lack of effective housing policies and high mortgage rates further exacerbate the problem.
