Revolution in benefits: alternatively of 800+ and another benefits, 1,700 PLN per period for everyone?

The social welfare strategy in Poland is complicated and expanded. 800+, household allowances, housing allowances, unemployment benefits – this is only part of the financial assistance that Poles can number on. However, more and more voices are being raised that changes are needed to simplify and will optimise spending billions of PLN from the state budget.

Will the government opt for 1 simple mechanics alternatively of many different benefits – unconditional basic income (BDP) of PLN 1700 per period for each citizen? This solution has already been tested in any countries, and now the thought is gaining momentum besides in Poland.

Unconditional basic income – what is it and why is it so emotional?

Unconditional Basic Income (BDP) It's a concept that each citizen, regardless of income, surviving or working situation, receives a certain amount from the State each month. These measures would replace another forms of social assistance, eliminating bureaucracy and expanding the efficiency of public spending.

The BDP assumptions are simple:

• 1700 zł per period for all adult citizen,
• no income criteria – benefit for all,
• liquidation of 800+ and another allowances,
• reducing bureaucracy and administrative costs.

Can Poland afford 1,700 PLN for everyone?

Cost of introduction BDP of PLN 1700 for all adult Polish citizens (about 31 million people) would be around a year PLN 630 billion. This is simply a immense amount, given that the full state budget for 2024 was around PLN 850 billion.

However, supporters stress that the introduction BDP would let the elimination of many costly aid schemesWhich would mean savings of PLN 200-300 billion per year. In addition, part of the amount could be covered from raising taxes for the richest and introducing a fresh tribute from large corporations.

Benefits and risks of unconditional base income

Advantages of BDP:

1. Reduction of poorness and inequality – even the poorest people would be assured minimum existence,
2. Less administrative costs – the elimination of a complex strategy of welfare benefits and offices,
3. Greater motivation for work – BDP gives feeling safe, which may encourage more risky but better paid initiatives (e.g. start-ups),
4. Better Quality of Life – fixed base income can affect intellectual wellness and reduce financial stress.

Concerns and risks:

1. High costs – backing specified a benefit would require raising taxes or reducing another public expenditure,
2. Potential labour marketplace weakness – any experts inform that any people may quit their work,
3. Inflation – more money in circulation can increase inflationary pressure, which would reduce the real BDP value.

Will Poland introduce 1700 PLN per period for everyone?

For now. Government does not formally announce the implementation of unconditional basic incomeHowever, the debate on this issue is becoming more intense. In the European Union, experiments in countries specified as Finland, Germany and Spainwhere different BDP models are tested.

Will Poland take specified a courageous step? If the budgetary situation allows for cutting red tape and more efficient financial management, it cannot be excluded that social benefits will be replaced by a new, uniform mechanics within respective years.