Italy's welfare programmes see €6.6bn child‑benefit payout and 750+ inclusion‑aid applications

In the first quarter of 2026 the Italian universal child benefit, Assegno Unico Universale, disbursed €6.6 billion to about 6.6 million families, reaching roughly 9.6 million children. The programme, a core pillar of Italy’s welfare system, follows a cumulative €19.8 billion distribution in 2025 and is credited with reducing income inequality and supporting demographic stability.

During the same period more than 750 residents applied for the regional Reddito di Inclusione (REI) social‑inclusion income. The municipal social‑services office confirmed 686 applications were accepted, 70 placed on a conditional list pending further documentation and 75 rejected for lack of eligibility. Beneficiaries include around 1,700 people receiving the inclusion allowance and 910 receiving regional rent assistance, alongside other support for utilities and food.

Both programmes illustrate the continued reliance on state‑funded assistance for families and low‑income households across Italy.