„Mama Cztery Plus”. Istota rodzicielskich świadczeń uzupełniających “Mama Cztery Plus”. The essence of supplementary parental allowances

Abstract

Recent times in Poland have seen the hard work of parenting in large families appreciated and honoured. The introduction of a supplementary parental allowance in 2019 emphasized the social role of those parents who, for reasons relating to the upbringing of their children, have not achieved the employment seniority requirement for pension rights. The main purpose of this article is to systematize the body of knowledge pertaining to supplementary parental allowances for the benefit of both the interested parties themselves and the employees of Polish Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). This paper conveys the most important information on the supplementary-allowance system, so as to dispel any doubts KRUS personnel might have with regard to eligibility. An interview with employees of the benefits department of the KRUS Field Office in Ostrów Wielkopolski has revealed that doubts continue to surface concerning various matters relating to “Mama Cztery Plus” allowances. This paper also demonstrates the realistic dimension of supplementary parental allowances considered and paid, by collating the number of “Mama Cztery Plus” payouts delivered by two pension bodies, viz. Polish Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS) and Polish Social Insurance Fund (ZUS). Methodologically, this article relies on the analysis of the literature and of statutory provisions, with an interview questionnaire as a research tool, as well as data sourced directly from KRUS Headquarters, KRUS Regional Branch in Poznań, KRUS Field Office in Ostrów Wielkopolski and ZUS Branch Office in Ostrów Wielkopolski1 .