How to request a newborn bonus in Italy in 2026: guidelines from INPS

The Italian National Social Security Institute - INPS - has officially declared the commencement of submissions for the "Newborn Bonus 2026" (Bonus nuovi nati 2026). The official notification was released on April 14, 2026, marked as number 1268.

The scheme entails a one-time grant of 1,000 euros for every newborn, adopted, or placed in preliminary guardianship (affidamento preadottivo) between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

Qualification for the benefit

To qualify for the bonus, the family must satisfy the below criteria:

• possess a valid ISEE (income index for family benefits and child support);
• the ISEE should not surpass 40,000 euros;
• when computing the ISEE, funds obtained through the Universal Unique Allowance program are not considered.

If the income threshold is exceeded, the entitlement to receive the grant is forfeited automatically.

Submission Deadlines

The application must be submitted within 120 days of any of the following occurrences:

• the child's birth;
• adoption;
• placement of the child in preliminary guardianship.

A delayed application beyond the stipulated deadline results in the family losing the entitlement to the benefit.

For families with a child born before the official launch of the INPS service, a specific deadline of August 12, 2026, has been set: documentation must be filed by this date. The 120-day countdown begins from the publication of the INPS message in such cases.

Applying for the Grant

Either parent can make the submission. In cases of separate residences, the parent with whom the child officially resides must apply.

Documents can solely be lodged online or through official INPS platforms:

• via the INPS portal using SPID level 2 or higher digital identification, CIE 3.0, CNS, or eIDAS;
• through the INPS mobile app within the "Newborn Bonus" section;
• via the helpline:
• number 803 164 - toll-free from landlines;
• number 06 164 164 - for mobile calls as per the operator's rates;
• via authorized welfare organizations (patronato) offering document processing assistance at no cost.

Important Recommendations

Prior to submission, we advise updating your ISEE in advance and verifying the correctness of all family details in the INPS system. Errors or an outdated declaration may result in delays in processing or denial of payment.

Retaining proof of application submission and monitoring your application's status regularly in your INPS account is also crucial.