Benefits for children

Over the last 6 years the number of children entitled to family benefits decreased by 1.5 million, mainly due to freezing the income criteria entitling to such benefits. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, in the first quarter of 2010 only 3 million children receive such a benefit, which is 300 thousand less that year before. Trade unions press for amendments in that area within the Tripartite Commission, however the government remains silent. Many experts claim such benefits should be perceived as an investment and support in children education, especially considering the pessimistic demographic forecasts for Poland. According to the European Commission, the population of Poland will have shrunk by 18% by 2060 down to 31 million. The expenditure for family support is one of the lowest in Poland, and this combined with insecurity of employment and lack of financial stabilisation are the main factors of decreasing population.