PLN 4.1 bln paid out under 500+ program

The Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Policy informed that parents and legal guardians have submitted a total of 2.56 million applications under the Family 500+ child welfare program, of which 21 percent were filed on-line. The Ministry approved 2.1 million applications and paid out PLN 4.1 billion. 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.