The welfare system in Italy offers financial assistance (bonuses or economic benefits) to individuals and families in need who meet specific requirements. If you have a regular permit of stay, and have limited economic resources, children, or a disability, you may be eligible for support.
These benefits vary by type, and vary across region and municipality. Each benefit has different requirements (including permittype and residence registration). Many are administered by the Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (INPS) or local authorities.
Available national benefits
1. Assegno d’Inclusione (ADI)
The Inclusion Allowance (Assegno d’Inclusione in Italian) is a national measure to combat poverty, fragility and social exclusion for vulnerable households through personalized paths of social inclusion, training, employment and active labor policies.
The ADI combines economic support with social and vocational inclusion activities, and beneficiaries are required to participate in a personalized activation and labor inclusion plan.
The economic benefit begins from the month after signing the household’s Digital Activation Pact (PAD) following a positive outcome of your application and is paid monthly onto an electronic payment card (the Inclusion Card or ADI Card).
The allowance is provided for a continuous 18‑month period and can be renewed for further 12‑month periods. Starting in 2026, the one‑month suspension between periods of eligibility has been eliminated, renewals follow seamlessly, although the first monthly payment of each renewed period is set at 50% of the regular amount.
If requested in the application or later, the total amount can be divided among adult household members with parental responsibilities.
Detailed rules on income, patrimonial limits and the equivalence scale are set by law and applied by INPS at the time of your application.
Key points:
- Paid monthly on an electronic card for up to 18 months; renewal is possible for an additional 12 months.
- The amount depends on ISEE, family situation, rent, disability, etc.
- Requires valid residence/permit status (e.g., refugee status, subsidiary protection, long-term EU residence).
- Be part of a personalised social/labour inclusion plan.
2. Supporto per la Formazione e il Lavoro (SFL)
The Supporto per la Formazione e il Lavoro (Support for Training and Work) is a monthly allowance for people aged 18–59 without vulnerable family members.
Key points:
- Monthly allowance up to €500 for 12 months; may extend if training continues.
- Must enroll in professional training, job orientation, or civil service.
- Requires ISEE below threshold (2026: €10,140).
- Application through INPS and signing a Digital Activation Pact and Personalized Service Pact.
3. Carta Dedicata a Te
The Carta Dedicata a Te provides low-income families with a one-time €500 card for essential food products.
Key points:
- Eligible families must have ISEE ≤ €15,000 and be registered in their municipal registry (anagrafe).
- Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can be eligible if officially resident and meeting criteria.
- No application is required; selection is automatic by INPS/municipalities.
- The card can only be used for essential food; alcohol, fuel, and transport subscriptions are excluded.
- For Carta Dedicata a Te 2025, the first purchase must be completed by December 16, 2025; full use by February 28, 2026.
- Note: You cannot apply for this benefit if you receive Assegno di Inclusione; Reddito di Cittadinanza; Carta acquisti; NASpI, DIS-COLL, or mobility allowance.
4. Invalidità Civile (Civil Disability Benefit)
If you have a partial or full disability, Italy provides financial, social, and health-related support to help you live independently and access necessary services.
Key points:
- You must hold a valid permit of stay for at least one year and be officially resident in Italy.
- You need a medical certificate from your general practitioner, apply to INPS, and then undergo an evaluation by the ASL medical/legal board, which determines your disability level and the corresponding benefits. Based on your assessed disability percentage, you may receive financial allowances, social assistance, access to healthcare services, and other rights.
If eligible, you can also receive the Carta Europea della Disabilità (European Disability Card), which grants free or discounted access to services such as transport, cultural activities, and leisure, both in Italy and, where agreements exist, in other EU countries. This card complements other benefits such as Invalidità Civile or Assegno d’Inclusione, helping you access additional support.
5. Assegno Unico e Universale (Universal Child Benefit)
The Assegno Unico e Universale (AUU) is a monthly allowance provided to families with dependent children under 21 years old, or to families with children with disabilities without any age limit. It helps families cover everyday expenses related to raising children, such as food, school costs, and other essential needs.
You will find the payment schedule for the AUU for 2026 here. The first instalment of the benefit is typically paid in the last week of the month following the date of application submission.
Key points:
- You must hold a valid residence permit and either have been legally living in Italy for at least two years or hold a work contract of at least six months.
- It is available for dependent children:
- under 18 (also for new-borns starting from the 7th month of pregnancy)
- 18–21 years old who study, work or do a traineeship with an income under €8,000, are registered as unemployed, or do Servizio Civil Universale
- with disabilities with no age limit.
- The benefit depends on your household’s ISEE and the number of children. With a low-ISEE families are able to receive up to €203,80 per child per month (2026). Special increases may apply for large families, children under one year of age, or children with disabilities.
6. Bonus Nuovi Nati (Newborn Allowance)
The Bonus Nuovi Nati is a one-time financial contribution (1.000€) to support families with the expenses of a new birth, adoption, or pre-adoptive foster care placement. It aims to ease childcare costs for low-income households. To access this benefit, it is mandatory to apply within 120 days from the child’s birth or entry into the family.
Key points:
- Who can receive it: non-EU citizens with a long-term residence permit or holders of a work permit, international protection or any other permit lasting no less than one year who are parents of children born, adopted, or placed in pre-adoptive foster care within the last 120 days. (Circolare numero 76 del 14-04-2025)
- Your household ISEE for families with minor children must be €40,000 or less. (The ISEE value does not include amounts received for the Assegno Unico e Universale)
- You must apply within 120 days from birth or entry into the family.
- You can apply online via INPS, through the Contact Center, or with a Patronato.
7. Bonus Asilo Nido
Bonus Asilo Nido is a financial contribution to help families cover the costs of nursery and early childcare, including public and private nidi, micronidi, sezioni primavera, or authorized home-based childcare services. Please note that the bonus does not cover recreational services or non-educational activities, such as pre-school or after-school programs.
Key points:
Who can apply: Parents or guardians with a valid residence permit (non-EU citizens need a long-term residence permit or work permit)
Child requirements: Must be registered at the childcare service or have proof of payment (or a pediatric certificate for home care in case of serious chronic illness)
ISEE: The family’s household ISEE is used to calculate the benefit
Amount: Up to €3,600 per year, depending on the child’s birth date and your ISEE
Validity: From 2026, approved applications are valid for the following years until the child turns three, as long as requirements are met
How to receive the bonus: Upload proof of payment for at least one nursery fee (for public nurseries with delayed payment, enrollment or waiting list confirmation is sufficient), or provide a pediatrician’s certificate if applying for home care support due to serious chronic illnesses.
8. Unemployment benefit (NASpI)
NASpI (Nuova Assicurazione Sociale per l’Impiego) is a monthly unemployment allowance for workers who have receintly lost their regular employment. It provides financial support while you are looking for a new job.
Key points:
- You must have had a regular work contract and lost your job involuntarily.
- The monthly payment depends on your previous salary and the length of your employment.
- You need a valid residence permit to apply.
- You should apply as soon as possible after your job ends.
Summary table of key national benefits
Good practices BEFORE you apply
- Always tell the truth – Provide truthful and verifiable information about your permit, economic condition, time in Italy, and personal situation. Authorities may make random checks.
- Don’t listen to rumors – Verify information from trusted sources or get in touch with relevant services.
- Beware of scams – Only use official services (CAF, Patronato). Do not pay anyone for application assistance.
- Check the requirements carefully – Applying for benefits without eligibility may lead to revocation, repayment, or legal consequences.
- Take your time – Understand all rules before applying. Waiting a few days won’t prevent you from receiving the benefit.
- Ask questions – CAF and Patronato offices exist to help; don’t worry about bothering them.
- Be aware of what you sign – Make sure declarations are accurate; ask for translation if needed.
- Be patient – Processing can be slow.
- Contact Refugee.Info – For clarification, rumours, or help with applications.
- Talk to your lawyer – If you realise you are receiving benefits without meeting requirements, contact a legal expert immediately.
Who can help
- INPS: The “Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale” is the Italian national Social Security Office. There are offices throughout the country. To locate one, Google “INPS a [the city where you live]”.
- Municipality Office (Comune): To find your local municipality office, Google “Comune di [the city where you live]”.
- Patronati: "Patronati” are centers for fiscal assistance. There are several of them in Italy, such as CAAF CGIL, CISL, UIL, or ANOLF. To locate one, Google “patronato a [the city where you live]”.
If a CAF or a Patronato helps you, they are not responsible for what you sign and declare to receive the bonus. That is why it is very important that you are certain of the requirements and ask questions until you are certain that you understand everything.
- Community Centers of Diaconia Valdese: The Community Centers provide orientation on administrative procedures, access to services, work and legal support, and more. They are present in many Italian cities and manage a virtual desk which is is active Monday–Friday and can be reached by email (virtualcenter@diaconiavaldese.org) and WhatsApp/phone (+393441874631).
Key things to remember
- Valid permit of stay is required for almost all benefits.
- Residence registration (iscrizione anagrafica) is critical.
- Economic status (ISEE) determines eligibility and amount.
- Receiving incompatible benefits simultaneously may lead to revocation.
- Carefully read all forms; ask for translation if needed.
- Always check the latest rules and thresholds for the current year.
- Track deadlines for applications, renewals, and use of benefits.
- Keep copies of applications and notifications from INPS or your municipality.
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Written by Refugee.info Italy team