Ukrainians in Poland will have their benefits cut and free healthcare denied: what is the reason?

President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a bill that would have provided extended payments and benefits for unemployed Ukrainians. The decision jeopardises their access to the popular 800+ programme and free medical care.

Navrotsky explained that state resources should first and foremost be channelled to support Poles. According to him, social initiatives such as monthly payments under the 800+ programme and free medical services should be provided to Ukrainians only if they officially work in Poland.

We must ensure social justice. Poles in their own country should be at least on an equal footing with our guests from Ukraine. That is why I did not sign the law as proposed," the president said.

Alternative proposals

The head of state proposed to the parliament and the government to agree on a new version of the law within two weeks. Among his ideas:

• toughening the requirements for obtaining Polish citizenship - increasing the period of residence from three to ten years;

• introduction of criminal liability for manifestations of "Banderism", similar to the current liability for propaganda of fascism.

Consequences for Ukrainians

If no compromise is reached in the Seimas, tens of thousands of Ukrainians risk losing part of their social guarantees. This is especially true for the 800+ programme, which remains a key instrument for supporting families with children.

Since 1 June 2025, the rules of its provision have already been changed: now payments are accrued only to those families whose children actually attend Polish schools or kindergartens. An exception is made for official home schooling. For many Ukrainian families, the loss of the allowance of 800 zloty (about 9 thousand hryvnia) per child per month can mean a sharp deterioration in their financial situation and even push them to return to Ukraine.

As Socialportal wrote, more than 4 million Ukrainians currently have temporary protection status in the EU. Most have managed 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.

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