The 2024 budget law introduced important changes for parental leave, providing for two months with an 80% allowance for employed working parents. Below is a detailed guide on how parental leave works, who is entitled to it, how to request it and what are
the new rules from 2024.
What is parental leave
Parental leave is a period of optional abstention from work granted to parents to take care of the child in the first 12 years of life.
Unlike mandatory maternity or paternity leave, parental leave can be used by both mother and father for up to 10 months (11 months if the father uses at least 3 months of
leave).
How does parental leave 2024 work
As of January 1, 2024, the new rules provide for 9 months of parental leave compensated by the INPS, of which:
- 2 months paid at 80% of salary
- 7 months paid at 30% of salary
From 2025, the 9 months compensated will be divided into:
- 1 month paid at 80%
- 1 month paid at 60%
- 7 months paid at 30%
The new compensation rates are valid only if the leave is taken within the sixth year of the child’s life.
Length of parental leave
Parental leave can last up to 10 months, which can be raised to 11 if the father uses at least 3 months of leave. Only the first 9 months are compensated by the INPS. This period can be used in hours, days or months, either simultaneously or separately by the parents.
Parental leave for employees
For employees, parental leave is 10 months (11 months if the father uses at least 3 months), of which 9 are compensated by the INPS. In the case of income below a certain threshold, the compensated months rise to 10 (11 if the father uses at least 3
months).
Parental leave for a single parent
The parent alone is entitled to 11 months of parental leave, of which 9 are compensated at 30%. The remaining 2 months are not compensated, except in the case of income below the legal threshold.
Parental leave for members of separate management
Workers enrolled in separate management are entitled to 3 months of compensated leave, not transferable to the other parent. An additional 3 compensated months can be used alternately by the parents, for a total of 9 months. It is not intended to be used in hourly mode
.
Parental leave for the self-employed
Self-employed workers are entitled to 3 months of compensated leave, to be taken within the first year of the child’s life. The allowance is equal to 30% of the conventional daily wage
.
Who is entitled to parental leave
Parental leave is for all employees in the public and private sectors, workers enrolled in separate management and self-employed, provided that they are in a constant employment relationship. Unemployed, suspended parents, domestic and home workers are excluded
.
Parental leave compensation
Parental leave is compensated by the INPS for a maximum of 9 months. Since 2024, two months have been paid at 80% and seven at 30%. From 2025, one month will be at 80%, one at 60% and seven at 30%.
How to apply for INPS parental leave online
The application for parental leave must be submitted electronically through:
- the INPS portal with digital identity (SPID, CIE, CNS)
- The INPS contact center
- Patronage institutes
The procedure has been updated to allow the request for compensation at a higher rate, with a minimum notice of 5 days (2 days for hourly leave).
Parental Leave FAQ
The INPS has made available FAQs on parental leave, answering the frequently asked questions of families who intend to take advantage of the measure.
Regulatory and practice references
- Legislative Decree 30 June 2022, n. 105
- INPS Circular of 21 April 2023, n. 43
- Circular n. 57 of 18 April 2024
- INPS message n. 2704 dated 23 July 2024
