Universal Child Benefit: INPS identifies errors; letters regarding investigations are being sent out
For some, there could be a ‘recalculation’ of the amount of the universal child benefit as early as September
Key points
A campaign to scrutinise the universal child allowance – a benefit based on the ISEE – is now underway. During specific checks on the allowance and the related ISEE income figures, around 4,000 suspicious DSU (single substitute declarations) are reported to have come to light. “As part of systematic checks aimed at ensuring the correct disbursement of social benefits and the protection of public funds,” reads a statement from INPS, which refers to inconsistencies in some DSUs regarding declared income – the Institute is launching an information campaign on applications for the single allowance for 2026 linked to a Single Substitute Declaration (DSU) submitted for the issue of a current ISEE certificate. For some, a ‘recalculation’ of the Single Allowance amount could take place as early as September.
Individual notifications coming soon
“This initiative,” explains INPS, “precedes the sending of specific individual notifications and serves an informative and advisory purpose, explaining the reasons for the measure, the possible effects on benefits, and the procedures by which recipients can update their details or confirm the accuracy of the information provided in the DSU. The checks are based on an analysis of the information provided in the DSU and the data available in the Institute’s records. This process has identified certain cases characterised by possible omissions or inconsistencies in the self-declared income in the DSUs, which require further investigation’. In the coming days, the users concerned will receive a specific notification from INPS.
The amounts may be adjusted from September
“Pending the regularisation of the individual’s status and the completion of the preliminary investigation, the INPS advises that the amount of the Assegno Unico may be temporarily recalculated in accordance with the relevant legislation in the absence of a valid ISEE. This measure may affect monthly payments from September 2026 onwards.” Where no ISEE had been submitted, the monthly payment per child in July was 58 euros. In the same month, the number of children falling within the lowest ISEE bracket (up to 17,468.51 euros) stood at just under 4.8 million out of a total of just under 9.3 million children for whom the allowance was paid that month. Recipients of the notification who consider it necessary to update or correct the information declared in the DSU, explains INPS, “may use the dedicated INPS online services or contact the CAFs. Those concerned may also contact the relevant local offices to provide the necessary documentation to confirm the accuracy of the self-declared data in the DSU”.
The checks
The identification of a case for further investigation does not automatically imply that an undue payment has been made. The checks are designed to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information used to determine the amount of the Single Universal Benefit. The INPS points out that “it systematically carries out checks and takes measures to prevent the receipt of undue payments, with the aim of ensuring that social benefits are paid to those entitled to them in the amount actually due, whilst safeguarding the proper allocation of public resources and the fairness of the welfare system”.
