According to the latest report of the Wiosna Association, the number of Poles living in extreme poverty has decreased, but it is still over 2 million people. Some citizens from “extreme poverty”, in which they lack the most basic needs, found themselves in the group affected by the so-called relative poverty. The size of this group increased by 13%.
While extreme poverty means living below the subsistence level, relative poverty involves everyday choices and giving up many needs.
— These are people who can afford a little more, because the limits are several hundred zlotys one way or the other. This means, in many cases, increasing the 500 plus benefit to 800 plus. In fact, this is the only reason why some of these people are over the line – says Magdalena Łukasik in the Onet Morning Finansowo program.
Poverty affects many Poles
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800 plus – a significant buffer against poverty
The entire program is available here:
The conversation shows that this is largely the case A sharp increase in family benefits lifted tens of thousands of families, especially large families, out of poverty. — This benefit helps Polish families a lot, especially the poor ones. Indeed, what we have seen now in 2024 is this positive effect, because, for example, in families that had more than two children, poverty decreased even twice – says Magdalena Łukasik.
Despite this, the everyday life of people using social programs is still full of difficult choices. — Maybe they don't go to bed hungry, maybe they have food in the fridge, but they have to make choices, whether the child will have a new jacket, whether we have to look for it somewhere, whether the child will have extra lessons, or unfortunately we have to do without it – describes the expert.
Social welfare: state, society and solidarity
Who should address the problem of poverty? — The first answer was “you.” But what's important… I think we really don't like feeling helpless. This is, among other things, why we operate in Wiosna and we strongly believe that as we all ride in this peloton, we can stop at some point and look back. And each of us can support at least one such familyc – says Joanna Sadzik, president of the Wiosna Association in the context of Szlachetna Paczka.
Sadzik emphasizes that programs such as Szlachetna Paczka are also a form of building a social safety net. — Last year, on average, 30 people made a package. It's not difficult and it's not a very big financial effort. It turns out that it is a matter of adding PLN 100, PLN 200, several hundred zlotys from each person, from each family, from each acquaintance, from each friend. And to prepare such help that will be wise, he explains.
Gray zone of poverty – a problem with social policy
A relatively new phenomenon that worries Spring experts is the so-called gray poverty zone. — In our country, social policy is shaped by political will, and the amount of benefits is absolutely dependent on voting. And unfortunately, once again we have a situation in which one million Poles are in this situation: we are people living in extreme poverty, and at the same time we are too rich to get social assistance – warns Łukasik.
This means that a significant group of people, despite poverty, are formally too wealthy to receive state aid. — Our policy, our benefits do not keep up with reality… it is a gray area. We are so poor that it threatens our lives and health. But the help says: no, it's not for you – adds the expert.
System pitfalls and the need for multidimensional solutions
Experts emphasize that the fight against poverty must be multidimensional. — Increasing and adding to benefits is not the only way, because how do we think about what causes such crises that put people in a difficult situation. This is also the lack of a safety cushion that you can fall on, says Łukasik. He points to dramatic cases of people who end up in summer houses overnight because they cannot afford to rent an apartment.
One of the solutions is to be social support institutions and local solidarity initiatives – both in the material and social dimensions. – One of such pillows will definitely be Szlachetna Paczka – sums up Magdalena Łukasik.
Onet Morning. Financially
“Onet Morning”. Financially is a weekly program in which Business Insider journalists talk to invited experts from the world of business and politics about current events and issues related to the Polish economy, public finances and the impact of politics on the wallets of every Pole.
The program can be watched every Wednesday at 10 on the main page of the Onet portal, and from 11 as a podcast on Onet Audio.
