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 for the poorest, and resources to set up summer camps for children and the elderly. These are some of the measures for families included in the Budget Law now nearing its final stage in the Chamber of Deputies.
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 changes 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. Other changes introduced include the extension of optional parental leave until the child's 14th birthday and the doubling of sick leave for children from 5 to 10 days. The ISEE calculation mechanism has also been changed in a way that benefits families, taking into account the number of children.
Furthermore, the value of primary residences, which is 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. The expansion will also allow more families to receive contributions for daycare. The refinancing of the Fund for the purchase of basic food items, accessible through the "Dedicata a te" card, is worth €500 million.
There are also some changes planned for the inclusion allowance. Currently, after receiving it for 18 months, there is a one-month pause before applying for another year. The budget has eliminated this one-month suspension, although the amount will be halved in the first month of renewal. The school program 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 lower secondary school or the first two years of a private upper secondary school. The program is structured in decreasing brackets as income increases. The second measure is a €30,000 bonus to help purchase schoolbooks. New resources have also been allocated to the Erasmus fund to provide scholarships for university students participating in these exchanges. Two separate measures concern summer camps.
€60 million has been allocated to assist municipalities with management. A new law aims to promote public-private partnership projects to create summer communities for children and the elderly, including repurposing abandoned buildings: essentially, the revitalization of what were once known as summer camps. There are also other innovative initiatives, albeit with very limited resources. €20 million has been allocated to help separated parents find housing. However, they must have children up to 21 years old 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. A fund is also being established to recognize the role of caregivers, those who help non-self-sufficient elderly and disabled families. However, the funds are primarily earmarked for 2027, pending legislation defining criteria and support. 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)
