SUBSISTENCE MINIMUM AND SOCIAL MINIMUM IN POLAND IN 2024

<ns3:p>This article presents estimates of the values of the subsistence minimum (ME) and social minimum (MS) in 2024. The subsistence minimum (ME) sets out a model for meeting needs at the minimum level below which there is a biological risk to life. In the social minimum (MS), on the other hand, the scope and level of satisfied needs should enable the reproduction of life forces, having and raising offspring and maintaining social relations.The values of the subsistence minimum (ME) in 2024 increased from 4.9% (household of parents with 3 children) to 5.7% (household of a single pensioner), with a slightly lower level (3.6%) of the CPI index. On the other hand, the values of the social minimum (MS) increased from 5.0% (a household with a younger child) to 6.3% (a single pensioner’s household).The total value of the subsistence minimum (ME) was most affected by higher fees for the use of housing and energy carriers. With the CPI index at the level of 5.5%, model expenditures increased from 7.6% (in a five-person household) to 8.2% (in a two-person household). The values of the subsistence minimum for food did not have a significant impact on the increase in the total value of the subsistence minimum. The increase in the prices of food products included in the basket was slightly lower than the CPI index.A similar trend was observed in the social minimum model (MS): the dynamics of the total value of social minimum was largely influenced by changes in fees for housing and energy carriers. Model costs for housing and energy increased from 8.2% (5-person household) to 8.9% (single household), with a lower CPI index.</ns3:p>