"Mama 4+" pension plan voted

Dubbed "Mama 4+" the plan is mainly addressed at women, although it can also be applied to single fathers.

The plan to provide a minimum pension to mothers of many children was first announced by the government last August, and included in the draft budget for 2019 adopted at the time. Ruling Law and Justice maintains that special social assistance plans are necessary in view of Poland's difficult demographic situation, and a family-friendly policy should be a fundamental element of the state, with such initiatives as the pension plan contributing to its realization.

Although the "Mama 4+" pension plan met with no obstacles in the Senate, opposition senators pointed out that while it provides basic social assistance for non-working parents, it discriminates those who combined raising children with employment.

The bill, adopted by the Sejm upper chamber on January 31, can now be signed into force by the President.

The new pensions, to launch on March 1, are expected to benefit nearly 90,000 citizens, according to minister for family and labour policy, Elżbieta Rafalska.

They will be paid out to women who have reached the retirement age of 60.

The government plans to spend about PLN 11 billion (EUR 2.57 billion, USD 2.92 billion) on the new maternal benefits over the next 10 years.

This year more than PLN 800 million has been set aside for this purpose.

Source: IAR