An increase in the monthly contribution for working mothers with more than two children, a change in the ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) that will allow greater access to social and municipal services, a bonus for school books and private schools, a fund to help separated parents rent a new home, the refinancing of the "dedicated to you" card intended for the poorest, and resources to set up summer camps for children and the elderly. These are some of the measures dedicated to families included in the Budget Law .

WORKING MOTHERS – Among the most funded sections is the bonus for working mothers. However, they must have at least two children and an annual ISEE income of no more than €40,000. The youngest child cannot be older than 10, but if they have three or more children, the threshold rises to 18. The contribution will be increased from €40 to €60 per month in 2026. This is one of the largest measures in the budget, worth €630 million alone. A contribution exemption of up to 24 months is also provided for hiring workers with at least three children.

PARENTAL LEAVE – New measures include the extension of optional parental leave until the child's 14th birthday and the doubling of sick leave from 5 to 10 days.

ISEE NEWS – The ISEE calculation mechanisms have changed in a way that benefits families, taking into account the number of children.

Furthermore, the value of primary residences, which are not included in the calculation , will increase from the current €52,500 to €91,500, a figure that will rise further to €120,000 for households residing in the capital cities of Italy's 14 metropolitan cities. The change, as calculated in the technical report, will allow approximately 14,000 families to qualify for the Inclusion Allowance, the instrument that replaced the basic income. But the expansion will also allow more families to receive contributions for daycare.

FOOD - The refinancing of the Fund for the purchase of basic food items, available through the "Dedicata a te" card, is worth €500 million. Some changes are also planned for the inclusion allowance. Currently, after receiving it for 18 months, there is a one-month pause before being able to request it for another year. The budget has eliminated this one-month suspension, although the amount will be halved in the first month of renewal.

SCHOOL – The school section includes two measures for families with an ISEE of up to €30,000. The first is an annual bonus of up to €1,500 for each student attending a private middle school or the first two years of a private upper school. The benefits are scaled down as income increases. The second measure is a €30,000 bonus to help purchase schoolbooks. New resources are also being allocated to the Erasmus fund to provide scholarships for university students participating in these exchanges.

SUMMER CAMPS – Two separate chapters address summer camps. €60 million is earmarked to assist municipalities with their management. A further provision aims to promote public-private partnership projects that create summer communities for children and the elderly, including repurposing abandoned buildings: essentially, the revitalization of what were once known as summer camps.

HOUSING – Other innovative measures, albeit with very limited resources, are also available. €20 million has been allocated to help separated parents find housing. However, they must have children up to age 21 and not be the tenants of the family home. Fewer resources—€10 million—are earmarked for the housing plan, which would, among other things, promote the creation of affordable housing for young couples.

CAREGIVER – A fund is also being established to recognize the role of caregivers, those who help non-self-sufficient elderly and disabled people in their families. However, the funds are primarily earmarked for 2027, pending legislation defining criteria and support.

SPORTS – Then there's sports. A bonus will be available for enrolling minors in sports courses for families with an ISEE of less than €20,000. Finally, €5 million will be allocated to athletic scholarships for university students.

(Unioneonline)

© Riproduzione riservata