The social pension in Italy: assegno sociale (formerly “pensione sociale”)
Reference information: rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the date of the material and the official sources.
What is the assegno sociale?
The assegno sociale (social allowance) is a welfare payment made on application to people in financial hardship. It is granted to those whose income is below the thresholds set by law and who meet the other legal requirements.
What is the difference between the assegno sociale and the pensione sociale?
Since 1 January 1996 the assegno sociale has replaced the pensione sociale (social pension).
Can someone who has never worked or paid contributions receive the assegno sociale?
Yes, the assegno sociale can be granted to someone who has never worked or paid social security contributions, provided they meet the requirements set by law.
Are foreign nationals entitled to the assegno sociale?
Yes, a foreign national is entitled to the assegno sociale, provided they meet all the requirements set by law.
The main requirements for the assegno sociale
- being 67 or over;
- holding a long-term residence permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo) or another equivalent permit (protection or political asylum);
- an income below €6,947.33 for a single person (or €13,894.66 for a married person);
- having lived in Italy permanently and continuously for at least 10 years;
- actually living in Italy.
What does actually and permanently living in Italy mean?
If a foreign national receiving the social pension is away from Italy for more than 29 days, the payment is suspended for a year. If the absence lasts more than a year, the allowance is withdrawn permanently. Eligibility is checked every year.
How are the 10 years of continuous residence calculated?
The period must be split into two consecutive five-year blocks. In each of them:
- no single absence may exceed six months;
- absences may not exceed ten months in total. If continuity of residence is broken, the count starts again from zero.
Can someone who owns property receive the assegno sociale?
Yes, if the property is their home. If not, the value of their assets for ISEE purposes must not exceed €30,000.
When and where do you apply for the assegno sociale?
You can apply online through INPS (National Social Security Institute), but not before the month in which you turn 67.
What does the amount of the assegno sociale depend on?
The maximum amount for 2024 is €534.41 a month, paid 13 times a year. The amount depends on your income and on other factors, such as whether you own property.
Is the assegno sociale taxed?
No, the assegno sociale is not taxed.
Do you have to report the money you receive?
Yes, all recipients must submit an annual income statement (Modello RED) to INPS so that their entitlement can be checked.
Summary
The assegno sociale is a welfare payment for people on low incomes that replaced the pensione sociale in 1996. It is available to Italian citizens and foreign nationals alike, provided they meet the requirements, such as age, income, 10 years of permanent residence in Italy and holding a suitable residence permit. The payment is not taxed, but recipients must report their income every year. If the conditions on actual residence or income are not met, the allowance may be withdrawn or its repayment may be demanded.
