The Italian government has extended benefits for mothers in 2025. The measure aims to curb the country's declining birth rate.
Mothers with formal employment or self-employed workers are entitled to five months of maternity leave. (congedo di maternità), with 80% of the salary paid by INPS, the National Social Security Institute. Employers can supplement the remaining 20%, guaranteeing full salary.
Leave is typically divided into two months before and three months after childbirth. With medical and employer approval, this period can be adjusted.
Self-employed mothers with VAT number (tax registration) also receive five months based on the previous year's average salary. They can continue working during the leave, unlike formal employees.
Parental leave for employees
In addition to maternity leave, there is up to nine months of parental leave (parental freeze)Each parent can take three months, which are non-transferable, and there are three more that can be shared.
Starting in 2025, three of the nine months are paid at 80% of the child's salary—previously, it was two months. The remaining six months are paid at 30% and must be used until the child turns 12.
There's also the possibility of a tenth month of unpaid leave, or two months if the father has taken at least three months off. For low-income families, these extra months are paid at 30%.
Single mothers are entitled to all nine months paid, plus one month unpaid.
Parental leave for self-employed workers
Self-employed mothers can add three months of parental leave to their five months of maternity leave, paid at 30%. This period must occur during the child's first year, with regular contributions to the INPS (National Social Security Institute) and suspension of activities during the leave.
Universal child benefit
Created in 2022, the single and universal check It replaces several types of benefits and is paid monthly until the child turns 21. The amounts depend on the family income (ISEE): they range from €50 to €201 per child.
It can be requested from the seventh month of pregnancy. The benefit is exempt from income tax and is available to EU and non-EU citizens who have been resident for two years or more. work contract of at least six months.
Birth bonus
O Newborn bonus offers a €1.000 lump sum to families with an ISEE of up to €40. The application deadline has been extended from 60 to 120 days after birth or adoption.
Bonus for mothers with more children
Since 2024, mothers with three or more children and a permanent contract have been exempt from social security contributions until their youngest child turns 18. The benefit cap is €3.000 per year.
In 2025, self-employed women and mothers with temporary contracts who earn up to €40 per year and have two children (the youngest under ten) or three children (the youngest under 18) can receive a credit of €40 per month, paid in a single installment of up to €480. The INPS has not yet published the application instructions.
Daycare bonus
O daycare bonus Covers part of the daycare fees for children under three. Amounts range from €1.500 to €3.600 per year, depending on the ISEE score and the child's date of birth.
It can also be used for home care in cases of chronic illnesses. The request must be submitted by December 31, 2025, through the INPS website.
Since August 2025, only a single application is required for the annual benefit, valid until the child is three years old. Proof of eligibility remains annual.
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