Social Security in Italy

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Social Security in Italy

The Italian Social Security (previdenza sociale) system is managed by the National Social Security Institute (Instituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale, INPS) which provides benefits to employees and the self-employed in case of illness, maternity or unemployment. It also oversees family allowances and provides benefits for the elderly and disabled. It does not administer the national health system, which is a separate entity. 

Eligibility and Contributions

Employees

Those legally working in Italy are entitled to the same benefits provided by Italian social security institutions as Italian workers. Employers are responsible for registering their staff with the INPS. The employee's contributions are made directly from the gross salary each month. Contribution rates and benefit entitlements vary depending on the industry, though roughly two-thirds of pension contributions are paid by employers and one-third is paid by the employee. On 30 June of each year, the INPS distributes to all workers a record of individual contributions made over the previous 12 months.

Benefits paid are based on the number of years a contributor has paid as well as the salary of the recipient.

The self-employed

After registering their business with the Italian Chamber of Commerce (Registro delle Imprese presso la Camera di Commercio), self-employed people must register in person with Social Security (INPS).

• For information from the Chamber of Commerce on registering a business: Click here (in Italian)
  • Business registration information in English: Click here
• To find the nearest INPS office: Click here

Contributions will be based on the prior year's income, or for new businesses, an estimated minimum income. Quarterly payments are made using Form F24, which should be sent by the INPS to the registered trader or owner.

• For contribution requirements for self-employed traders (commercianti), see the INPS website: Click here (in Italian)
• For contribution requirements for artisans (artisani), see the INPS website: Click here (in Italian)

Reciprocal agreements

Social security contributions paid over a period in another EU country can count towards benefits paid out in Italy.

• For the INPS website: Click here (in Italian)
• For links to social security agencies throughout the world: Click here (in Italian)

Non-EU countries with reciprocal social security agreements

Italy has bi-lateral conventions with many non-EU countries, which enables citizens of those countries to claim benefits in Italy.

• For more information: Click here
• For a list of countries with bi-lateral agreements and information on the conditions: Click here (in Italian)
• For information from home governments on pensions and social security in Italy: Click here
• For a full breakdown of American citizen's social security entitlements in Italy: Click here
• Australian citizens: Click here
• Canadians citizens: Click here

Sickness Benefits

The INPS pays an allowance for absences from work due to sickness. This allowance is payable from the fourth day of illness for a maximum period of 180 days in a calendar year.

If the ill person is employed, the employer should complete the required paperwork.

Anyone resident in Italy is entitled to the sickness and maternity benefits provided by the national health service. Residents must register with the local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) in the municipality of residence in order to obtain a national health number.

Application for sickness benefits must be made directly to INPS or sent via registered post.

• For application forms: Click here (in Italian)

Maternity/Paternity Benefits

Expectant mothers are entitled to paid leave for two months before the birth and three months after the birth. The benefit is 80 percent of her average daily salary. The pre-birth leave may be delayed by one month so that four months are taken after the birth.

Fathers may be entitled to paternity leave in instances of the death of the mother or the mother's abandonment of the child.

Adoptive parents of children may also be entitled to maternity leave. Check with the INPS for conditions.

Parents may take up to 11 months off work in the first eight years of their child's life. While they are on leave, the parent will receive 30 percent of their salary. Parents of twins are entitled to 22 months off work in the first eight years.

Application for maternity/paternity benefits must be made directly to INPS or sent via registered post.

• For application forms: Click here (in Italian)
• For further information, see the INFOrmation Page: Having a Baby in Italy: Pregnancy & Birth

Retirement Benefits

As of 2008, in order to qualify for a retirement pension, male employees must have contributed for at least 35 years and be at least 60 years old. Self-employed males must have contributed for at least 40 years and be at least 60 years old. Women may receive a pension at 57 years of age and with at least 35 years of contribution.

To receive the retirement pension, employed workers must retire from all employment.

Application for retirement benefits must be made directly to the applicable cassa or the INPS. Many forms can be obtained from the INPS website.

• For application forms: Click here (in Italian)

Disability, Old-age and Survivor Benefits

Workers may receive a disability pension if deemed by an INPS physician to be unable to work.

The worker must have paid social security contributions for at least five years, three of which must have been in the five years prior to the application for disability. This disability pension is not permanent - disability status can be changed at any time.

Application for disability pension must be made directly to the applicable cassa or INPS. Many forms can be obtained from the INPS website.

• For information on applying for a disability pension: Click here (in Italian)
• For application forms: Click here (in Italian)

The following bodies (cassa) oversee insurance for the disabled, as well as retiree and survivor pensions. Self-employed workers should register and make payments to the applicable cassa or inquire about making payments directly to the INPS.

• INPS - employed workers, certain categories of self-employed workers (farmers, farm workers, craftsmen and tradespeople), workers in new industries not yet categorised into a particular cassa.
• ENPALS - those employed in the entertainment industry
• INPDAI - heads of enterprises
• INPGI - journalists
• The National Fund for the Liberal Professions - doctors, some pharmacists, veterinary surgeons, architects, surveyors, engineers, attorneys, accountants, tax advisers, employment consultants, notaries and customs agents.

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Health Insurance in Italy
• For information from the EU on Italian social security: Click here
• Researcher's Mobility Portal
• INPS (in Italian)
• US Government