Starting March 24, 2025, families across Italy can officially apply for the revamped Bonus asilo nido (nursery bonus), a financial incentive aimed at alleviating the burden of nursery expenses for children under three years old. This year, the contribution has seen significant increases, with families now eligible for up to 3,600 euros, reflecting a vital resource for parents navigating the high costs associated with early childhood care.
The nursery bonus is a financial aid provided by the National Social Security Institute (INPS) to assist families in covering the costs of public and authorized private nurseries. Additionally, it supports home care for young children afflicted with serious chronic diseases, thus extending its reach to those who may not utilize traditional nursery services due to health concerns.
A key change for the 2025 assistance program was highlighted in a recent INPS circular, which confirmed that families with ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) income levels below 40,000 euros can now apply for this higher benefit. Previously, families needed to have a second child under the age of ten to qualify for the maximum amount, but that requirement has been eliminated. "The nursery bonus for 2025 changes face with the introduction of a contribution up to 3,600 euros for children born from January 1, 2024," announced the circular.
The financial breakdown of the bonus depends on when the child was born. For children born before January 1, 2024, families may qualify for:
- 3,000 euros if their ISEE is up to 25,000.99 euros
- 2,500 euros with an ISEE between 25,001 and 40,000 euros
- 1,500 euros for those above the threshold or with non-existent ISEE data.
Conversely, for children born from January 1, 2024, the bonuses are structured as follows:
- 3,600 euros for families with ISEE below 40,000 euros
- 1,500 euros for families exceeding that limit or lacking ISEE validation.
The bonus is disbursed in monthly installments across 11 payments, with a potential maximum of 300 euros per month available throughout the eligibility period.
Families wishing to claim the bonus must complete their applications electronically through the INPS online platform, which requires proper identification credentials such as SPID, CIE, or CNS. Alternatively, assistance can be sought at patronage institutes throughout Italy. All applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, to be considered.
There are specific requirements parents must meet when applying for the bonus. Applicants should be either Italian citizens or lawful residents of other EU states, or non-EU residents with a valid residence permit. Children must be under three years of age at the time of application to qualify for the bonus. If a child turns three during the application year, parents can only claim for the months of January through August.
Overseeing the distribution of the bonus, INPS outlined that a considerable budget of 937.8 million euros has been allocated for 2025. However, due to funding limitations, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted. In instances where insufficient funds restrict approvals, applications may be put on reserve until additional budget becomes available.
"Applications must be submitted electronically through INPS or patronage institutes until December 31, 2025," the INPS circular noted, highlighting the method of submission as crucial for applicants.
For every family that secures this benefit, there is a defined timeline for submitting necessary documentation. All receipts for nursery fees must be provided by April 30, 2026, for applications relating to the 2025 year. Parents are encouraged to submit claims for their monthly expenditures as soon as possible to expedite processing and ensure full access to available funds.
The implications of this bonus extend beyond immediate financial relief; it serves as a vital element of Italy's broader strategy aimed at encouraging family growth amidst an ongoing demographic crisis. Since its introduction in 2017, the nursery bonus has emphasized the government's commitment to supporting parents in managing childcare costs while stimulating birth rates in a country that has, for years, witnessed alarming declines in newborn numbers.
Experts posit that while this bonus is a positive initiative, its success will depend on how well it integrates with other support measures aimed at families. Significantly high costs associated with private nursery care and the systemic shortage of available spots in public services remain persistent challenges. Ultimately, the enhanced nursery bonus represents a step forward in family policy but continues to invite detailed scrutiny on its adequacy in meeting the increasing needs of Italian families during crucial early childhood years.
