Starting from January 1, 2025, the Universal Allowance for Non-Self-Sufficient Elderly People will come into force, a new support measure provided by the Government that aims to absorb all currently active benefits for disability. This allowance, introduced as part of the 2024 Elderly Decree, is aimed at people over eighty with serious care needs and a
particularly low ISEE.
Below, a complete guide to understanding how the universal allowance for the elderly will work, who is entitled to it and how to request it.
What is the Universal Elderly Allowance?
The Universal Elderly Allowance is a unique economic benefit designed for the elderly who are not self-sufficient. This measure will replace all previous benefits, including those such as the accompanying allowance, offering financial support or, alternatively,
services to the person.
This benefit, modeled on the universal child allowance, is defined as’ unique ‘because it will absorb various types of care currently available to the elderly. Its value will vary based on each beneficiary’s level of care need
.
Amount of the Universal Check
The amount of the universal allowance for the elderly will be about 850 euros per month, consisting of two main elements:
• Fixed monetary fee: corresponding to the accompanying allowance.
• Supplementary Fee: an additional ‘care allowance’, which will vary based on specific care needs.
When Will It Be Operational?
The universal allowance for the elderly will officially start on January 1, 2025 and will be in the experimental phase until December 31, 2026. During this period, the Government will monitor the effectiveness of the measure and may make any changes
.
Who Is Eligible for Universal Elderly Allowance?
The universal allowance is intended for elderly people who are not self-sufficient, as defined in Law 104 of 1992. People with pathological conditions that prevent them from carrying out daily activities independently, such as walking, washing, dressing or eating, are considered not self-sufficient
.
The main requirements to access the check are:
• Minimum age of 80 years.
• Serious need for assistance, established through special medical tests.
• ISEE less than 6,000 euros for subsidized social and health benefits.
•Be already the holder of accompanying allowances or be entitled to them.
How to apply for the Universal Elderly Allowance?
Elderly people who are not self-sufficient or their delegates can request the allowance by submitting an application to the INPS. The procedure will be electronic and will require access through SPID, CIE (Electronic Identity Card) or CNS (National Service Card
).
Alternatively, the application can be submitted through the patronages. The operating procedures will be communicated directly by the INPS and we will update you as soon as
more details are available.
How Does the Universal Check Work?
The universal allowance will be recognized on the basis of a health assessment that certifies the applicant’s very serious need for assistance. Once the recognition has been obtained, the beneficiary can choose whether to receive the subsidy in the form of money or in the form of personalized assistance services
.
The universal check will replace:
•The accompanying allowance.
•Other welfare subsidies for home and social health care.
•Support services for family members who care for the elderly (caregivers).
If the universal allowance is waived, the beneficiary may return to receiving the accompanying allowance.
Resources and Available Budget
The Government has allocated a maximum of 300 million euros for the universal allowance for 2025 and 200 million euros for 2026. This amount will be used to finance the provision of the allowance to all the elderly who are not self-sufficient who will request it and will meet
the requirements.
The introduction of the Universal Elderly Allowance represents an innovative measure of great importance in the landscape of social assistance policies. This new service aims to improve the quality of life of the elderly who are not self-sufficient, guaranteeing them economic support or care services adapted to their needs. The experimental phase, which will begin in 2025, will be crucial to test the effectiveness of the measure and make any adjustments
.
