Chiara Nava Bills, children, daycare, veterinary expenses, and psychotherapy: numerous financial benefits in 2026 take into account the ISEE (Income and Social Security Index), the indicator used to assess families' financial situation and determine access to various bonuses and benefits. A new mechanism for calculating the indicator also came into effect on January 1st, designed to make large families more advantageous in accessing key social inclusion measures.
The ISEE is updated annually through the Single Substitute Declaration (DSU) and, depending on the measure, represents the parameter used to determine both entitlement to the benefit and the amount. The rules vary from one benefit to another and may also take into account income, real estate assets, and family composition. Generally, a lower ISEE corresponds to greater financial support.
Bonuses for bills, inclusion and families
Among the benefits linked to ISEE are the social bonuses for electricity, gas, water, and waste bills . For families with up to three dependent children, the limit is set at €9.796 , while it increases to €20 for families with at least four dependent children.
The discount varies based on the service and can reach 15% for natural gas and 30% for electricity. An ISEE of no more than €10.140 is required, along with other requirements, for the Inclusion Allowance and the Training and Work Support . In the first case, the household must include, among others, people with disabilities, minors, those over 60, or individuals in disadvantaged situations. The Training and Work Support program provides a €500 allowance linked to participation in training and career guidance programs.
For those with an ISEE of up to €15 , the "Dedicata a te" card is also available . This prepaid card offers a one-time contribution of €500 for the purchase of essential goods . It is issued without an application, following checks carried out by INPS and municipalities. Those receiving the card must make the first payment by December 16, 2026, while the credit must be used by October 10, 2027. Among the measures aimed at specific categories is the pet bonus , intended for those over 65 with an ISEE of less than €16.215 who incur veterinary expenses for pets. The disbursement methods, amounts, and deadlines are managed by the individual Regions, and the reimbursement can range between €200 and €300 per year.
Single allowance, nursery, newborns and psychologist bonus
The ISEE is also central to the Single and Universal Allowance . In 2026, for families with an ISEE of up to €17.468,51 , the maximum amount is €203,80 per month for each child, while the value progressively decreases to a minimum of €58,30 for families with an ISEE of €46.582,71 or higher. Increases are also envisaged for certain situations, including large families, mothers under 21, newborns, and children with disabilities. For parents, an ISEE of up to €25 allows access to the highest level of the nursery school bonus . For children born before January 1, 2024, the contribution can reach €3 per year, while between €25 and €40 it drops to €2.500. For children born after January 1, 2024, support can reach 3.600 euros per year , within the limits of the expenses incurred and the required requirements.
The ISEE limit of €40,000 is the one set for the newborn bonus , a one-time contribution of €1,000 for each child born, adopted, or placed in pre-adoptive foster care during 2026. The request must be submitted to INPS within 120 days of the event. The Carta Cultura Giovani and the Carta del Merito , both worth €500, remain usable until December 31, 2026, while the new Carta Valore is expected to be released in 2027. For the Carta Cultura Giovani, the ISEE limit is €35,000. Finally, the 2026 psychologist bonus is expected to be released by the end of the year . The contribution, intended for Italian residents with an ISEE of no more than €50,000, can reach up to €1.500 per person and progressively decreases based on the ISEE bracket, to a minimum of €500.