Gov't is seeking PLN 5 billion to finance welfare program in 2017

Henryk Kowalczyk, head of the standing committee, said in an interview with Polish daily Puls Biznesu that the government is currently PLN 5 billion short to finance its flagship child benefit program Family 500+. "We are lacking around PLN 5 billion to finance 500+, but we will find them," Kowalczyk said. He argued that in 2018 the efforts to increase efficiency of tax collection will take full effect. Apart from that, Kowalczyk said the government is expecting the use of EU funds will accelerate propelling GDP growth. The Family 500+ scheme is a child benefit program from the Polish government. Under the program, the government hands out PLN 500 per month for every child in a family whose per capita income is lower than PLN 800 per month and for every second and subsequent child, regardless of family income. The sum is aimed at all parents, including single parents, and is not subject to taxes. The program was launched on April 1. As many as 2.7 million parents and legal guardians are eligible to apply.