Italy's 200 euro cost of living bonus

Who can claim Italy's 200 euro cost of living bonus and when? We have the details.

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13 May 2022, 12:49

Italy has announced that it will be introducing a one-off 200 euro payment in the country's latest set of measures to soften the blow of rising living costs. The 200 euro bonus is aimed at certain groups of workers, the unemployed, and pensioners. We have all the details of who is entitled to it, the possible requirements, how it works, how to apply for Italy's 200 euro bonus and when it arrives.

Italy's 200 euro cost of living bonus

Italy's new 200 euro bonus was announced by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi during a press conference for the presentation of Italy's most recent aid decree in 2022. The government has launched an "important income support measure for 28 million Italians", including pensioners. For those with incomes "of up to 35,000 euros, there will be a bonus of 200 euros for everyone".

Who is entitled to Italy's 200 euro bonus?

Italy's new bonus of 200 euros for household bills can be claimed by workers, both employed and self-employed, as well as by and pensioners, all of whom must have an annual income of up to 35,000 euros. You also must be a legal resident in Italy to be eligible.

The latest changes announced by the Italian government state that the bonus will also be granted to those who are on Italy's "citizens' income" scheme, as well as seasonal workers. This one-off bonus will also be extended to domestic helpers (who were initially excluded) and to the whole sector of domestic and cleaning staff.

How to apply for Italy's 200 euro cost of living bonus?

If you are employed or a pensioner, you don't need to apply for the 200 euro bonus or fill in any forms to officially request it because it is a one-off measure that will be included directly in your pension or pay slip. It will then be up to the employer, whether public or private, to check whether or not the employee is actually entitled to the bonus, while it has not been revealed how the bonus will be paid to self-employed workers and the unemployed.

When will 200 euros be paid?

But when can Italian residents expect to receive their 200 euros? Pensioners can expect their extra 200 euros in July, while workers are due to receive the bonus "as soon as technically possible, between June and July", according to economy and finance minister Daniele Franco.