Italy welfare: INPS announces 2026 mother's bonus and pension updates

Italy's social security agency, INPS, has released updated figures and guidelines regarding various welfare benefits and pension expenditures. For 2025, total pension spending in Italy is projected to reach 372,450 million euros, a 2.3% increase from 2024, covering approximately 23.1 million benefits.

Regarding specific benefits, the 'Bonus Mamme 2026' has been detailed via circular n. 106. This benefit, aimed at working mothers, will increase to 60 euros per month, totaling up to 720 euros annually. Eligibility requires having two children (with the youngest under 10) or three children (with the youngest under 18), and a total income below 40,000 euros. The payment is scheduled as a single installment in December 2026.

Additionally, a Christmas bonus for pensioners of up to 154.94 euros will be distributed in December 2026 to those meeting specific low-income thresholds. In legal developments, the Italian Supreme Court (Cassazione) ruled that pensioners under the 'Quota 100' scheme who engage in minor work should only be required to return the amount earned rather than an entire year of pension benefits.