Caregivers: first approval for the bill – up to 400 euros for those caring for a disabled relative, plus non-financial support

The first step has been taken towards passing a law aimed at supporting the 7 million carers – as estimated by Istat – who look after people in Italia who are seriously ill or unable to look after themselves. The Chamber of Deputies has, in fact, approved the bill on the recognition and protection of people who assist and care for their loved ones at first reading, with 153 votes in favour, 105 against and 4 abstentions. The aim is to recognise the value of family carers by acknowledging their role and the economic value of their work, whilst providing support and involving them in the processes of assessing, planning and monitoring care provision. Financial assistance of up to 400 euros per month is also provided for, funded by the previous Budget Act: 257 million euros per year for 2026–2028, although eligible carers will only be able to access this from 2027 onwards.

Among the most significant changes is the introduction of a system comprising four distinct levels of support, graded according to the level of care required and whether the person lives with the carer, each corresponding to a specific profile: these will also serve to regulate access to the benefits provided for by law, including financial support – up to 400 euros per month, tax-free, paid every three months to those with an ISEE of up to 25,000 euros (in the original text this was 15,000 euros) – reserved solely for the most demanding role, involving at least 91 hours per week (13 hours per day) dedicated to a dependent family member. The other three categories involve lesser commitments, ranging from 10 to 29 hours of care per week, and only one of these covers non-cohabiting carers, with a care commitment of at least 30 hours per week. Caregivers are also expected to participate in all processes relating to the assessment, planning and implementation of care and support pathways: they will be involved in the Multidimensional Assessment Unit for the definition of the ‘life plan’ provided for by the Disability Reform, as well as in the assessment of the non-self-sufficient elderly person and in the drawing up of the Individual Care Plan (ICP) and the care and support budget.

In addition to financial support, the new law introduces a range of other safeguards. Family carers will, for example, be able to request that the care plan (Pai) includes, amongst other options, a replacement within 24 hours in an emergency, as well as psychological support, medical visits and teleconsultations, priority access to, or prompt scheduling of, healthcare interventions. Furthermore, they will have the option to access the care recipient’s health records, subject to consent. Care work can also be recognised towards a potential return to the labour market: it will be possible to have the skills acquired through care work recognised towards the qualification of social and healthcare worker or similar roles, provided these can be certified by the relevant bodies and regions. For those who remain in employment, it is possible to adjust their working hours to accommodate care responsibilities, utilise remote working, receive donated holiday leave and solidarity leave from colleagues, and invoke anti-discrimination protection against conduct suffered as a result of caregiving activities. For young carers – if they are students – care work will be recognised as academic credit and as part of school-to-work training programmes. Finally, for university students, exemption from paying university tuition fees is provided.

For the Minister for Disability Alessandra Locatelli, today marks “a strong and concrete signal for the lives of so many people who love, who care for others, and who do not wish to be replaced, but rather supported by the institutions on this journey of love and care. This law, with its differentiated safeguards, begins by guaranteeing practical support – including financial support – to those who provide round-the-clock care, and the safeguards are differentiated precisely for this reason, to recognise all family carers”. “During the debate,” added Ugo Cappellacci, Chair of the Social Affairs Committee – “we helped to strengthen the measure; through an amendment of which I was the lead signatory, we broadened the scope of those eligible for financial support by raising the ISEE threshold from 15,000 to 25,000 euros. Those who look after others cannot be left to fend for themselves.” “This law requires carers to give up work, sleep and often their own health in order to receive support amounting to as much as 400 euros a month: just over one euro an hour. It is a form of recognition riddled with restrictions and lacking in rights,” emphasised Marco Furfaro, a PD MP and national welfare spokesperson, speaking in the Chamber.