The number of alimony debtors in Poland is on the rise, with unpaid child support reaching an all-time high. According to the latest data from the National Debt Register (Krajowy Rejestr Długów, KRD), outstanding alimony payments totaled PLN 16.4 billion (approx. €3.8 billion) at the end of June 2025—an increase of 20% compared to three years ago. A staggering 96% of this debt is owed by fathers.
Millions of Children Without Financial Support
As Father’s Day is celebrated in Poland, the occasion serves as a painful reminder for hundreds of thousands of children who grow up without proper financial support. Of the 292,400 alimony debtors listed in the KRD, 273,600 are men. The total debt owed by fathers amounts to PLN 15.7 billion.
This is not only a personal tragedy for families but also a serious financial and social issue. The current level of unpaid alimony could fund the construction of over 1,000 new preschools in Poland.
Alarming Increase in Debt Among Young Parents
One of the most concerning trends is the rapid growth of debt among the youngest group of parents—those aged 18 to 25. In 2022, their unpaid alimony amounted to just PLN 1.2 million. Today, that figure has soared more than sevenfold to PLN 9.8 million. The number of young debtors rose from 160 to 868 in just three years, each owing an average of PLN 11,300.
“This is a clear warning sign that young people are entering adulthood burdened with significant financial and social challenges. In many cases, their failure to pay alimony is not due to unwillingness, but to overall indebtedness and difficult economic conditions,” said Adam Łącki, CEO of the National Debt Register.
Middle-Aged Parents Owe the Most
The highest alimony debt is held by parents aged 46–55, whose combined liabilities amount to PLN 6.9 billion. There are 105,600 people in this age group on the KRD list, each owing an average of PLN 65,800. The second most indebted group is aged 36–45, with a total of PLN 4.8 billion in unpaid child support. Those aged 56–65 owe PLN 3.2 billion. While seniors and parents aged 26–35 are responsible for smaller amounts, they too collectively owe millions.
Alimony Debtors Often Face Other Debts Too
KRD data reveals that 60% of alimony debtors also have other unpaid obligations, making them a high-risk group for lenders and financial institutions.
“Avoiding financial engagement with such individuals not only helps reduce business losses but also indirectly supports children by increasing the chances that court-ordered payments will be enforced,” KRD experts emphasize.
The Geography of Alimony Debt
Most alimony debtors live in larger towns and cities—65% of them reside in areas with more than 20,000 residents. This suggests that it may be easier to avoid responsibility and disappear into the crowd in urban environments.
The provinces with the highest number of debtors are:
- Silesia: 36,100 people, PLN 1.9 billion in debt
- Mazovia: 35,300 people, PLN 2.1 billion
- Lower Silesia: 27,300 people, PLN 1.5 billion
The regions with the fewest alimony debtors are:
- Opole: 7,100 people, PLN 391.1 million
- Podlaskie: 7,900 people, PLN 447.1 million
- Świętokrzyskie: 8,000 people, PLN 455.8 million
What’s Next?
The growing scale of alimony debt presents a serious challenge for Poland’s social system. Experts are calling for more effective enforcement of alimony orders and financial education programs—especially for young parents.
If the trend continues, it could further deepen social inequalities and increase the financial burden on the state and local governments. In the end, it is the children—the most vulnerable victims—who suffer the most.
Source: ManagerPlus.pl – Article on Rising Alimony Debts in Poland
