Donald Tusk's Government Changes in Social Policy – Key Regulations Supporting Women

szejnfeld.pl 3 months ago

Social policy changes in 2024 – key regulations supporting women

In 2024 a number of crucial changes in social policy were introduced, which have a direct impact on the situation of women in Poland. The fresh regulations concern, among others, the labour market, childcare and support for people in economical difficulties.

1. Introduction of the ‘Grandmother’ benefit

As of 1 October 2024, a fresh “Grandmother” benefit was introduced to support parents returning to work after the birth of the child. The programme provides for monthly backing of up to PLN 1500 for families where 1 of the parents returns to the labour marketplace and the kid does not usage a public nursery. The benefit may be intended for care provided by a household member, nanny or private care facilities.

2. National employment Action Plan 2024–2026

In December 2024, the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution establishing the National employment Action Plan for the years 2024–2026. This plan includes, inter alia:

increasing occupation availability,
supporting entrepreneurship,
adapting professional qualifications to the needs of the economy.

These changes can benefit peculiarly women who frequently face barriers to employment, especially after maternity breaks.

3. Amendments to the rules on disability decisions

In August 2024 the amendment of the Act on occupational and social rehabilitation and employment of disabled people entered into force. The fresh rules include:

the extension of the validity of disability decisions subject to the submission of a request for a further judgement before the expiry of the erstwhile judgment,
improving decision-making,
facilitating access to care services for care providers for people with disabilities, which may affect the situation of many women in this role.

4. fresh income criteria for social assistance from 1 January 2025

From the beginning of 2025, income criteria for social assistance benefits will increase:

for the single operator – up to PLN 1010,
for the individual in the household – up to PLN 823.

This change will let more women to receive financial support, which is peculiarly crucial for single-parent mothers or women in financial difficulties.

Regulations introduced in 2024 are a step towards greater support for women in the areas of childcare, the labour marketplace and social security. Monitoring their effectiveness and further alignment of social policies with women will be crucial in the coming years.

Maximilian Rice

Assistant Senator Adam Szejnfeld

information on the basis of a message from the Office of Vice-Minister Alexandra Gajewska