Politics · Italy · 6 hrs ago
Italy’s lower house approves bill recognising family caregivers
Italy’s lower house approved a bill to recognise family caregivers who provide unpaid care to relatives with disabilities, older people who cannot care for themselves and other vulnerable family members.
The bill sets out four caregiver profiles based on hours of care and whether the caregiver lives with the person receiving care.
Only the most intensive caregiver profile qualifies for the payment: at least 91 hours of care each week while living with a person who cannot care for themselves.
The payment is due to begin in 2027, with a maximum of €1,200 per quarter, or €400 a month.
The income rules are described differently: one account says the family ISEE must not exceed €15,000, while another gives a limit of €25,000, with lower payments above €15,000; both cite an annual work-income limit of €3,000 gross.
Critics in Tuscany say the strict conditions would leave many caregivers without help and argue that services and other protections are also needed.
The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.
Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill recognising and protecting people who care for family members.
The bill defines four caregiver profiles based on care hours and whether the caregiver lives with the person receiving care.
From 2027, the bill provides for a quarterly payment for eligible caregivers in the highest-intensity profile.
The payment is subject to work-income and household-income limits, and the sources report different ISEE thresholds.
The bill has drawn criticism in Tuscany over the limited number of caregivers expected to qualify and the loss of regional funding.
- Who
- Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved the bill. It concerns family caregivers and the people they care for.
- What
- The bill recognises and protects family caregivers and provides for a conditional financial contribution.
- When
- The Chamber approved it on 14 October 2026.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- To establish an organised framework for recognising, protecting and supporting people who care for family members.
Supporters of the bill
Critics of the bill
Scope of financial support
Supporters of the bill
The bill provides a contribution for eligible caregivers in the highest-intensity profile.
Critics of the bill
Monia Monni and Marco Furfaro argue that the contribution would reach too few caregivers.
Wider support
Supporters of the bill
The bill establishes caregiver profiles and formal recognition, alongside economic support.
Critics of the bill
Monni says caregivers also need services, respite, psychological support, help balancing responsibilities and social-security protections.
Regional policy
Supporters of the bill
Alessandro Tomasi says Tuscany’s regional caregiver law has not been implemented.
Critics of the bill
Monni criticises the bill’s narrow eligibility and the end of funding to regions for caregiver support programmes.
The Chamber of Deputies approved bill C. 2789-A on recognition and protection for family caregivers.
INPS is due to make an online platform available for applications for formal caregiver recognition.
The bill provides for a quarterly payment for eligible caregivers in the highest-intensity profile.
- Bill
- C. 2789-A
- Caregiver profiles
- Four, based on care hours and co-residence
- Highest-intensity profile
- At least 91 hours of care a week and living with the person receiving care
- Work-income limit
- €3,000 gross a year
- ISEE threshold
- Ipsoa reports a €15,000 limit; Quotidiano Sanità reports eligibility up to €25,000, with reduced payments above €15,000
- Maximum contribution
- €1,200 per quarter per caregiver, according to Quotidiano Sanità
3 sources
What people are saying
Anyone who cares for a loved one must be recognised in their role, needs and rights, without having to reach impoverishment and exhaustion to receive support.
A financial contribution reserved for a few cannot exhaust this responsibility.
They assess care with a stopwatch.
This is the politics of announcements that characterises the government of the Tuscany Region.