In 2024, important changes were introduced relating to parental leave for employees, with updates on the system for submitting applications and new rules regarding increased compensation. The 2024 Budget Law provides that employed parents can benefit from two months of parental leave paid at 80%, compared to the single
month expected in 2023.
Below, we provide you with a complete guide on what INPS parental leave provides, who can request it, how it works, how it lasts and how to submit applications with the new procedures.
What is Parental Leave
Parental leave is an optional period of abstention from work granted to parents to take care of their child in the first 12 years of life. Unlike mandatory maternity or paternity leave, parental leave is optional and can be requested by both parents, both together and
separately.
The total duration of parental leave is 10 months, which can be extended to 11 if the father takes at least 3 months of leave. In 2024, parents can take advantage of 9 months of compensated parental leave, with the INPS guaranteeing the payment of part of
their salary for this period.
How Parental Leave Works in 2024
The new rules for parental leave came into force on January 1, 2024, thanks to the changes introduced by the 2024 Budget Law. These provide for an allowance equal to 80% of the salary for the first two months of leave, while the following seven months will
be paid at 30%.
Indemnified parental leave only applies to parents who end their maternity or paternity leave after December 31, 2023. In addition, the new rules are valid only for employees in the public and private sectors, thus excluding self-employed workers enrolled in Separate
Management.
Length of Parental Leave
The maximum length of parental leave varies depending on the parent’s situation. The leave can be taken in days, weeks or months, and can be distributed between parents or used at the same time. In any case, the total length of parental leave
is:
• 10 months if used by both parents.
• 11 months if the father takes at least 3 months of leave.
• 9 months compensated by the INPS.
The leave can be used up to 12 years of the child’s life.
Who is entitled to parental leave
Parental leave applies to all employees, both in the public and private sectors. Adoptive or foster parents are also included. However, leave is not granted to unemployed, suspended parents, domestic workers or home workers. In addition, self-employed workers and those enrolled in Separate Management can benefit from specific rules
.
How to Apply for Parental Leave
The request for parental leave must be submitted exclusively electronically through the INPS portal. The updated procedure makes it possible to request increased compensation for the first two months of leave. The application can be submitted through:
•The INPS portal with SPID, CIE or CNS credentials.
•The INPS contact center.
•The Patronage Institutes.
The application must be submitted to the employer at least 5 days notice (2 days for parental leave per hour). For public workers, the management of the request is entrusted to the administration to which they belong
.
Parental Leave in Hours
Parental leave can be taken even by the hour. In this case, the maximum limit is half the average daily time of the previous month. Each day of leave is equivalent to two half-days of absence. The application for hourly leave may be submitted for up to one month and, if requested at the turn of two months, two separate applications must be submitted
.
Parental Leave Remuneration
The INPS calculates the allowance for parental leave based on the salary for the month before the start of the leave. This also includes thirteenth accruals and other ancillary allowances. For parental leave in 2024, the salary is 80% for the first two months and 30% for the remaining seven months. From 2025, the first month will be paid at 80%, the second at 60% and the next seven at 30%
.
FAQ and INPS Support
The INPS provides an FAQ section to answer frequently asked questions about parental leave. Users can consult the “My INPS” section to verify the applications submitted and monitor the status of the practices
.
Parental leave is an essential tool for reconciling family and work life, offering parents the opportunity to take care of their children with economic protection guaranteed by the INPS.