The so-called “Labour Decree 2023” introduced new social and labour inclusion measures, establishing, among others, the Inclusion allowance (ADI) that will replace the previous “Citizenship income”.
What is the new Inclusion Allowance
The Inclusion allowance is recognized as of 1st January 2024 as a measure of economic support and social and professional inclusion, subject to the possession of certain requirements that we will see below.
Beneficiaries
The Inclusion Allowance is granted to family units that have at least one member in one of the following conditions:
- with disabilities (as defined for ISEE purposes)
- minor
- aged 60 and over
- disadvantaged and included in the care and assistance program of the territorial socio-health services certified by the public administration.
Citizenship, residence and stay requirements
At the time of submission of the application and for the entire duration of the benefit, the applicant must be:
- European citizen or a family member, who must hold the right of residence or the right of permanent residence, or be a third-country national in possession of the EU residence permit for long-term residents, or hold the status of international protection (political asylum or subsidiary protection)
- resident in Italy for at least five years, of which the last two years continuously.
Subjective requirements
At the time of submission of the application and for the entire duration of the benefit, the applicant must not:
- be subjected to personal precautionary measures or preventive measures
- have final sentences of conviction or adopted pursuant to article 444 et seq. of the Code of Criminal Procedure (so-called “plea bargain”), intervened in the 10 years prior to the request.
Economic and capital requirements
On the economic front, the household must present an ISEE not exceeding 9,360 euros. In addition, the household income must be less than 6,000 euros per year. However, this threshold may increase according to the number and characteristics of the components of the households, such as the presence of people with disabilities or the elderly. In addition to this, applicants must not own real estate beyond the first house of value for IMU purposes exceeding 150,000 euros, nor movable assets exceeding 6,000 euros, increased depending on the number of members. These criteria are intended to ensure that the ADI reaches those who are truly in difficulty, promoting a fair and targeted use of resources.
For more detailed information, consult the small guide prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies: https://www.lavoro.gov.it/stampa-e-media/piccola-guida-ai-beneficiari-dellassegno-di-inclusione
Amount and duration of the allowance
The amount of the Inclusion allowance is calculated considering the household income and the equivalence scale, which varies according to the number and characteristics of the components. The maximum annual amount is 6,000 euros, with an increase for families composed entirely of the elderly or severely disabled, up to a maximum of 7,560 euros. The minimum guaranteed check is 480 euros per year.
The equivalence scale is used to adjust the amount according to the specific needs of the household. For example, it is increased for each component with disabilities or for the elderly.
The duration of the benefit is 18 consecutive months, with the possibility of renewal for further periods of 12 months, subject to suspension of one month between periods. The suspension also applies in the event of significant changes in economic conditions, such as an increase in family income of more than 3,000 euros per year. These measures ensure that the ADI continues to support the neediest family units, adapting to variations in their conditions.
Inclusion card
The financial contribution is paid through a rechargeable electronic payment instrument, called “Inclusion Card” or “ADI Card”.
The ADI Card allows you to:
- make purchases of goods and services at the POS of commercial establishments in Italy affiliated with the Mastercard circuit that fall into the categories of expenditure provided for by the reference legislation
- make purchases of goods and services at the POS of commercial establishments in Italy affiliated with the Mastercard circuit that fall into the categories of expenditure provided for by the reference legislation
- pay for household utilities at Post Offices (with postal bills or MAVs). It is also possible to take advantage of the benefits relating to electricity tariffs and those relating to compensation for the supply of natural gas granted to economically disadvantaged families
- make cash withdrawals.
How to claim the allowance
The Inclusion Allowance is requested electronically from INPS, which recognizes it, after verifying the possession of the required requirements and conditions. The application may also be submitted to the trustees and tax assistance centres (CAF), subject to the conclusion of an agreement with INPS.
Digital Activation Pact
The INPS informs the applicant that, to receive the economic benefit, he must register with the information system for social and labour inclusion (SIISL), to sign a digital activation pact. The economic benefit starts from the month following the month of signing by the applicant of the digital activation pact. Once the digital activation pact has been signed, the members of the family units benefiting from the Inclusion Allowance are required to adhere to a personalized path of social or work inclusion. The path is defined within one or more projects aimed at identifying the needs of the family unit as a whole and of the individual components.
Fiat Lux team is happy to clarify any doubts you may have on the subject. You can write to us at our address: info@fiatlux.legal and we will be happy to provide you with all the information you may need to help you navigate the intricacies of Italian regulations and bureaucracy.