PiS unveils details of its 500+ benefit program

The government has presented a road map regarding one of its flagship projects Rodzina 500+ (Family 500+), a social benefit program stipulating money transfers to families with children. Prime Minister Beata Szydło said that the program is set to be introduced in April 2016. In the first year, it will cost PLN 16 billion and PLN 22 billion in subsequent years. Interdepartmental consultation will be carried out until December 21 and later the law will be a subject of social consultations until January 21. The government plans to approve it on February 2 and direct it to parliament. Under the program, the government plans to hand out PLN 500 for every child in a family whose per capita income is lower than PLN 800 and for every second and subsequent child, regardless of family income.