INPS clarifies early-exit pension rules for workers with no pre-1996 contributions

Italy’s INPS has clarified how pure-contribution workers can enter company-funded early-exit schemes.

These are workers who had no pension contributions by 31 December 1995 and whose pensions are calculated entirely under the contribution-based system.

The schemes let participating workers leave their jobs early while their employer funds a payment and related contributions until retirement.

The new guidance covers isopensione and special payments from bilateral solidarity funds, with maximum periods of 84 months for some isopensione exits, 48 months otherwise, and 60 months for fund payments.

For workers who need to meet a minimum pension amount, INPS will check the threshold when the early-exit period begins, using contributions accrued and the relevant conversion coefficient at that time.

The threshold depends on the pension route: old-age pension generally requires an amount at least equal to the social allowance, while the contributory early pension at age 64 requires a higher amount.

INPS says meeting the threshold at entry indicates it should also be met when the pension starts, and employers’ related contributions count toward contribution requirements.

The guidance sets a common test for access, but workers must still meet the age, contribution and pension-amount rules for their chosen route.