The Italian government has announced significant changes to its perennial nursery bonus program for 2025, increasing financial support for families with children born from January 1, 2024. This initiative, administered by the National Social Security Institute (INPS), now allows families with an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) below 40,000 euros to receive an annual contribution of up to 3,600 euros, marking a substantial increase from the previous limits of 2,500-3,000 euros available for children born before 2024.
According to a recently published INPS circular, the nursery bonus, which has been in existence since 2017, provides crucial assistance for families to cover the costs of nursery school fees as well as at-home support for children under three who have severe chronic conditions. With the modifications introduced in the latest Budget Law, the nursery bonus now offers significantly more extensive financial support, providing up to 3,600 euros for qualifying families.
As laid out in Circular no. 60, the nursery school contribution must be requested by the parent who pays the nursery fees, while the support at home contribution can be claimed by the parent who resides with the child. Parents interested in applying for this assistance must ensure their child meets the eligibility criteria, including being between 0-3 years old and having proper residency in Italy. The application platform for the 2025 nursery bonus is set to officially open on March 31, 2025, providing families with a window to submit their requests until December 31, 2025.
Families whose children were born before January 1, 2024, can receive contributions based on their ISEE, amounting to 3,000 euros for those with ISEE up to 25,000.99 euros, 2,500 euros for those from 25,001 to 40,000 euros, and 1,500 euros for individuals with an ISEE higher than 40,000 or absent altogether. In contrast, for children born from January 1, 2024, the bonuses are structured to provide substantial relief, with qualifications for up to 3,600 euros for those meeting the lower ISEE threshold.
In addition, the new rules dictate that the "single universal allowance" will no longer factor into the calculation of the ISEE, which may increase access to these benefits for many families. INPS has specified that all applications will be processed in the order they are received, emphasizing the importance of swift action in submitting requests, as funding for this program is capped at 937.8 million euros for the year 2025. Thus, it is advisable for families to submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure access.
The legislation conveys a clear message of support aimed at easing the financial burdens that families with young children face. By augmenting the nursery bonus and reworking the eligibility framework, the Italian government is taking steps to ensure that more families can receive financial relief.
As local officials and families prepare for the application process, the expected increase in support through the nursery bonus could significantly aid many households struggling with the costs of childcare. Parents will be required to present their applications through the INPS portal or through local patronages, which are organizations that assist in processing these applications and providing guidance on navigating the system.
With the release of the guidelines from INPS, families are urged to review their eligibility and gather necessary documentation to expedite the application process. This resource aims to enhance parental support during critical early years when children need proper care and education.
In conclusion, as Italy plans to roll out the 2025 nursery bonus, it remains imperative that eligible families take proactive measures to understand these changes and apply accordingly. The nursery bonus initiative embodies a vital step toward supporting families in the early years of child development, delivering not only financial assistance but also peace of mind for parents devoted to nurturing their children’s futures.
