PALERMO – The Sicilian government has launched an important initiative to provide much-needed financial assistance to families grappling with economic difficulties. Under the program, families with an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) of less than 5,000 euros can apply for a one-time, non-repayable solidarity contribution.
This initiative, driven by Sicilian President Renato Schifani through the Family Department, makes available 30 million euros allocated via the latest financial law. The application window opened today, allowing eligible families until April 15 to submit their requests through the Irfis platform.
“The amount we can provide will range from 2,500 to 5,000 euros, depending on the families’ specific needs,” explained Iolanda Riolo, the president of the regional financial institution Irfis. Factors influencing the contribution amount include the number of family members, housing costs, and any additional financial burdens the families may face.
The eligibility criteria are clear-cut: applicants must have resided on the island for at least five years and meet the ISEE threshold. Riolo emphasized the program's accessibility: “It’s all quite simple; our site has undergone renovation to be even more intuitive. You can access the section ‘Sicilian Incentives’ and easily upload all the required information until April 15,” she stated.
This is not the first measure Irfis has implemented to support struggling families. Last year, the regional financial institution disbursed 50 million euros to alleviate the impact of rising interest rates on variable-rate mortgages for first-time homebuyers. “Our activities over the past two years, directed by the regional government and Sicilian policymakers, have had a strongly social connotation,” Riolo pointed out. “For the first time, Irfis has truly engaged with families. Last year we provided 50 million euros to combat the mortgage crisis for first homes. We take great satisfaction from these efforts, and this year we continue our focus on social needs.”
The increased focus on social assistance aligns with Irfis' mission to contribute to the development of the Sicilian territory, which Riolo encapsulated when she said, “This emphasis on social matters corresponds to one of the objectives outlined in Irfis’ charter.” By assisting those in need, the program is set not only to alleviate immediate financial pressures but also to strengthen the fabric of the community.
Families interested in applying for the contribution are encouraged to prepare their applications as soon as possible. The upcoming application deadline, just under three weeks away, creates urgency for those eligible to secure financial support.
With this initiative, the Sicilian government aims to bring relief to families affected by economic hardships, fulfilling its social responsibilities and reinforcing its commitment to economic development and welfare. The process is intended to be seamless and straightforward, reflecting the administration's dedication to making assistance accessible to those who need it most.
Community leaders and policymakers alike are hopeful this financial support will make a significant impact on the lives of many Sicilian families. By addressing financial challenges directly, the Sicilian government hopes to bolster community resilience and promote long-term socioeconomic stability.