Italy launches 2026-2027 ‘Carta Dedicata a te’ social card details

The Italian government has announced the operational details for the 2026-2027 cycle of the ‘Carta Dedicata a te’ social card. This measure is designed to support low-income families in purchasing essential food items.

To qualify, households must reside in Italy and have an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) not exceeding 15,000 euros. Beneficiaries are selected through a local ranking system managed by municipalities. The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 1,177,597 cards across the country. Selection priority is based on family categories and then by the lowest ISEE within those categories.

The benefit consists of two annual installments of 500 euros each. The first 500-euro recharge is scheduled to be activated starting November 4, 2026, via prepaid electronic cards provided by Poste Italiane. To maintain validity for the 2026 portion, the card must be used for the first time by December 16, 2026. The second installment for 2027 is expected to be credited starting in April 2027. No formal application is required, as the INPS identifies eligible households automatically.