Separated parents bonus, applications now open: here's how to apply

From Monday 12 February, and until 31 March 2024, it is possible to apply to the Inps for the new bonus for separated, divorced and/or non-cohabiting parents.

The measure is aimed at guaranteeing a contribution to parents in need, i.e. with an income of no more than EUR 8,174, who, during the Covid emergency period, were cohabiting with minor children or severely disabled adults and who, during the same period, did not receive maintenance allowance due to non-compliance by the other parent (former spouse or former cohabiting partner).

The bonus is payable where the other parent, as a result of the epidemiological emergency, has ceased, reduced or suspended work as of 8 March 2020 for a minimum duration of ninety days or has suffered a reduction in income of at least 30 per cent compared to the income received in 2019.

The application to receive the benefit must be submitted to the Inps, after authentication to the Institute's portal, through the special service 'Contribution for separated or divorced parents to guarantee the continuity of the payment of maintenance allowance', available in the section 'Point of access to non-pension benefits'.

The Bonus for separated, divorced and/or non-cohabiting parents is paid in a lump sum equal to the unpaid amount of the maintenance allowance and up to €800.00 per month. The contribution is payable for a maximum of twelve monthly payments taking into account the availability of the fund, which amounts to €10 million. The benefit will be paid by Inps after verification of the legal requirements by the Department for Family Policies.