Payments for Ukrainian refugees in Poland: what will change Navrotsky's decision

The decision, which became known on 25 August, may seriously change the conditions of support for Ukrainian families living in Poland. The 800+ programme has been in place since 2016 and provides for monthly payments of 800 zloty (about 9,000 hryvnyas) for each child up to the age of 18. These funds are intended to cover the costs of upbringing and education of children, reports RBC-Ukraine.

Previously, it applied to both Polish citizens and Ukrainians with legal residence and PESEL UKR number. From 1 June 2025, additional conditions were introduced: the child must be enrolled and attend a Polish educational institution, otherwise the right to payments was lost.

Karol Nawrocki explained that he did not sign the law because he believes it is necessary to "strike a balance between support for Poles and foreigners". In his opinion, social payments should be provided only to Ukrainians officially working in Poland. He emphasised that "Poles in their own country should be put at least on an equal footing with our guests from Ukraine".

In addition, Navrotsky suggested tightening the conditions for obtaining Polish citizenship - the period of residence to apply for it should be increased from three to ten years. He also advocated that free medicine and the "800+" programme should be available only to those Ukrainians who are employed.

Separately, the president noted the need to introduce criminal liability for manifestations of "Banderism", comparing it with the already existing norms against propaganda of fascism.

Navrotskyy passed his proposals to the government and Parliament and expects that within two weeks an agreed document will be worked out to replace the rejected bill.

As Socialportal wrote, more than 4 million Ukrainians currently have temporary protection status in the EU. Most have been able to obtain legal status, basic support, access to medical care, education and the labour market. However, life in a foreign land is accompanied by many challenges, and a significant proportion of people still live "between two worlds". What can the state do to bring back its citizens and how they help the country those who have become part of the Ukrainian diaspora abroad. Read the answers to these and other questions in the exclusive mater on Socialportal.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel not to miss new videos on acute social topics. Read all the news about social payments in Ukraine in the Social section of Social Portal. In Viber-channel "What's up with Social" you will find all the necessary information about updates, reforms and events related to social sphere. Join the channel "What's up there with social" Viber in or in Telegram. Do you have a specific question? Contact SocialGRT!