Parental benefit (kosiniakowe)
PLN 1,000 per month for parents not entitled to ZUS maternity benefit — unemployed persons, students, farmers, workers without sickness insurance. No income threshold.
Check if you qualify →Who is entitled to parental benefit?
- Parents with no right to ZUS or KRUS maternity benefit
- Unemployed persons (registered and unregistered at the labour office)
- Students and pupils
- Civil-law contractors who did not pay voluntary ZUS sickness insurance
- Farmers insured only under KRUS
The benefit is paid by the social assistance centre (MOPS) or local council office — not ZUS. It can be combined with other family benefits (e.g. 800+).
How to apply
MOPS / local council office
Apply at the social assistance centre or local council office for your place of residence. Applications can be submitted within 3 months of the child's birth.
Required documents
Birth certificate of the child, confirmation that you are not receiving maternity benefit, identity document. If unemployed — letter from the labour office or a declaration.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is the benefit and for how long is it paid?
- PLN 1,000 per month for 52 weeks for one child. For twins — 65 weeks, triplets — 67, quadruplets — 69, quintuplets and more — 71 weeks.
- Can it be combined with maternity benefit?
- No — the parental benefit is available only to parents who are NOT entitled to ZUS maternity benefit. If you have a right to maternity benefit, you cannot receive kosiniakowe.
- Can the father receive the benefit?
- Yes — after 14 weeks from the child's birth the benefit can transfer to the father. Both parents cannot receive it simultaneously.
- Is there an income threshold?
- No — the parental benefit is granted regardless of family income. This distinguishes it from, e.g., the child benefit (zasiłek rodzinny).
A parent without maternity benefit?
Check the full list of family benefits in the calculator — 800+, becikowe, zasiłek rodzinny and more.
Open the calculator →