School supplies in 2024 will cost from PLN 300 to PLN 1,000

According to the SW Research study, 13% of participating parents will spend up to PLN 300 on a school supply for one student, 35% will spend from PLN 301 to PLN 500, 30% – between PLN 501 and PLN 700, 16% – from PLN 701 to PLN 1,000, and 6% over PLN 1,000.

63% of respondents said they expect to spend more than last year, 4% expect to spend less, and 33% think they will spend the same.

This year's survey also shows that 90% of parents' shopping lists included school supplies/textbooks. 78% indicated that they would buy clothes/shoes, 39% – room/study corner equipment, 23% – electronics (e.g. computer, printer, new phone, headphones), 19% – sports accessories/equipment (e.g. bike, scooter, skateboard), 16% – toys (educational, developmental).

Last year, 13% of parents participating in the survey said they would spend up to PLN 300 on school supplies for one student, 37% would spend from PLN 301 to PLN 500, 29% between PLN 501 and PLN 700, 14% from PLN 701 to PLN 1,000, and 7% over PLN 1,000. At that time, 70% of respondents expected higher expenses, 27% assumed they would spend the same amount as the previous year, and 3% expected less.

The SW Research survey by the Market and Opinion Research Agency commissioned by Empik was conducted between June 27 and July 5, 2024 using the CAWI method (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) on a nationwide group of 1,005 respondents, adults with children.

– What is still in the price increase are stationery products such as notebooks, pads and folders and everything that is made of cardboard – says Paula Andrée, director of the Rodan office and school supplies wholesaler – This is mainly due to the increase in cellulose prices. But also due to all other factors that affect the price – she adds. She explains that suppliers of Polish products mainly justify the increase with the increase in labor costs and energy prices.

– It is of course no secret that the vast majority of products are imported primarily from Chin. In this case, the increases are due to other factors, i.e. primarily exchange rate differences or freight prices – explained Paula Andrée.

From July 1st to the end of November, parents and guardians of children in school can submit applications for benefits under the “Good Start” program. Funds from the program can be applied for parents and legal guardians children up to 20 years of ageand in the case of disabled children up to the age of 24. The benefit of PLN 300 is also due to children who turn 20 before the start of the school year, as well as to disabled persons who turn 24 before the start of the school year.

Adult students who are not supported by their parents, as well as emancipated persons leaving foster care, may apply for the benefit independently.

Application for 300+ can be submitted only electronically via the mZUS mobile application, available for smartphones and tablets, via PUE Social Insurance Institutionvia the Emp@tia portal, or electronic banking. Funds are paid out cashlessly to the account number provided in the application. The application must include the correct bank account number, email address and phone number. You must also fill in the children's data, information about the schools they attend or will attend.