School allowance
Monthly financial support for pupils of primary and secondary schools from low-income families. Amount set individually by the commune in the range of PLN 99.20–248 monthly for 10 months of the school year (September–June).
Check if you qualify →Who qualifies for the school allowance?
- Pupils of primary schools (grades 1–8)
- Pupils of secondary schools (general, technical, vocational)
- Pupils of post-secondary schools (until the age of 24)
- Families with income not exceeding PLN 823/person (criterion from the social-assistance act)
- Priority: families with many children, single parents, families affected by unemployment, serious illness or disability
The school allowance is not paid as cash to a bank account — the commune reimburses specific education-related expenses (textbooks, sports outfits, school trips, laptops, internet subscriptions). Invoices and receipts are required.
How to file the application?
Step 1: commune education department
The application is filed by the parent (legal guardian) of a minor pupil, or by an adult pupil personally. Location: education department of the commune/city office, or the social-assistance office (depending on the commune).
Step 2: deadline — September
The application is filed once a year by 15 September (for primary and secondary school pupils). For social-service college students — by 15 October.
Step 3: income documentation
Income certificates for all family members for the month preceding the application (August). For self-employment — a statement. For benefits — ZUS/MOPS certificates.
Step 4: expense settlement
During the school year you collect invoices and receipts for education-related expenses. The commune refunds them in instalments (usually every 3 months).
Frequently asked questions
- Which income counts toward the criterion?
- The PLN 823/person criterion refers to net income per family member for the month preceding the application. Income includes: salary, pensions, annuities, family allowance, alimony. Excluded: 800+, Good Start, baby bonus, tax reliefs.
- What can the allowance be spent on?
- Textbooks and school supplies, sports outfits, sports shoes, laptops/computers, internet subscriptions (for educational use), school trips, educational excursions, language courses, extra activities (tutoring, sport, music), monthly transit passes to school.
- Can it be combined with a merit scholarship?
- Yes — the school (social) allowance and merit scholarship are separate benefits with different criteria (social — income; merit — grade average). Both can be received in parallel. The merit scholarship is paid less frequently and by the school.
- Does the allowance count as family income for other benefits?
- No — the school allowance is exempt from tax and does not count toward income criteria for family allowance, the alimony fund, or social assistance.
- What if I file the application after 15 September?
- The allowance is granted from the month of filing. October application = payment from October (you lose one month). After 31 December the application will not be processed for the current school year — you must wait until September of the following year.
Have a school-aged child?
Check in the calculator exactly how much you may be entitled to — the school allowance often combines with the family allowance, the school supplement and Good Start.
Open the calculator →