New year in family and social policy

What changes await us in 2018? They includes development of places of care for the youngest, investment in activity and support for seniors, and further steps of the “For Life” programme.

Development of places of care for the youngest

In 2018, co-financing under the “Toddler+” programme is increased to PLN 450 million. That is as much as PLN 300 million more than currently. A module for communes where institutions of care for children under the age of 3 are not functioning was introduced to the programme's edition for 2018. They will get a guarantee of receiving funds in the amount of reported demand, up to 80% of the project.

In 2018, it will also be easier to establish a child care institution. The purpose of the changes is not only to increase the number of places for the little ones, but above all to provide them with the greatest possible safety. Among other things, it is the introduction of the requirement for cares to receive first aid training every two years. In addition, candidates for carers, nursery headpersons, as well as those who supervise work of a children's club or nurses will be checked to see if they are included in the database of the public register of sex offenders. The new regulations also provide for a greater participation of parents in making decisions related to running a nursery or a children's club, as well as granting them the right to control the conditions of stay of children in these facilities. Provisions regulating food for children in day nurseries were also introduced.

Another change is the introduction of the Large Family Card in the form of a smartphone application with a geolocation function. It will allow the Card holder to search for entities providing discounts in the vicinity.

Support for people with disabilities

In 2018, more than PLN 624 million is allocated for the “For Life” programme. Proposals of changes related to the implementation of the programme in 2018 include:

• organisation of club classes by occupational therapy workshops for people leaving occupational therapy workshops. In 2018, PLN 1.2 million is planned for this purpose.
• the possibility of creating a Social Council at the workshop, which includes representatives of parents, participants as well as organisations, employers and local government units. The Council's task will be to support the workshop in achieving the goal of its activity.
• the possibility for parents of disabled children to use flexible forms of employment, including flextime (also intermittent work) and teleworking (working at home) upon a request binding on the employer (as a rule, the employer will not be able to refuse this form of employment).
• extension of the right to care allowance for parents of children with disabilities from 14 to 30 days.

Higher remuneration

From 1 January 2018, employees who receive the minimum wage for work can expect a raise. The minimum wage will increase to PLN 2100. That is 5% and at the same time PLN 100 more than currently. At the beginning of the year, the minimum hourly rate will also increase from PLN 13 to 13.70 for specific civil law contracts.

Investment in seniors

The changes will also take place in the care of the elderly. The highest amount in history, i.e. PLN 80 million, is planned in the “Senior+” programme. Thanks to these resources, 310 new “Senior+” facilities will be created and the existing places will be co-financed. The most recent social programme “Care75+” will increase the availability of services for single people in the age of 75 and more in communes up to 20 thousand residents which provide care services on their own.

Changes in insurance

The changes will also affect insurance. From 1 January 2018, all contributions – regardless of the period they concern – will have to be paid into an individual contribution account number. The existing accounts will be closed. Also, paper sick leaves will disappear from 1 July 2018, and will be replaced by e-leaves.