Ukrainians living in Italy with the status of temporary protection or who have applied for asylum can count on wider access to social benefits. This is due to the update of the ISEE calculation rules, a document that officially records the income level and property status of refugees. After updating the rules for its calculation, access to state programs became wider, and the number of targeted payments became more significant. This means that those who only yesterday did not have any form of support, today can claim child benefit, discounts on utility bills, social cards and even payment for psychotherapy.
What is ISEE and how to get it
The ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is a document that takes into account earnings, real estate, bank accounts, family composition and a number of other criteria, on the basis of which the family’s financial profile is calculated. It is according to this formula that the state decides whether a particular person or household is entitled to social benefits. Submitting the DSU declaration (Dichiarazione Sostitutiva Unica) is a mandatory step. It can now be completed online through the INPS website or through certified support centers.
The new rules provide for the exclusion of certain financial assets from accounting, for example, part of savings contributions, bonds or savings in savings accounts. This means that even those who were previously slightly above the limits can now meet the criteria and gain access to public assistance.
In the context of the presence of Ukrainian refugees in Italy, who often do not have significant income or assets, these changes can have a direct impact on daily survival. However, they can be used only if a corresponding declaration is issued. Failure to do so is a denial of statutory assistance.
Child benefits
Families with children can count on a universal bonus for each child under the age of 21 (without restrictions for children with disabilities). If the ISEE is less than €17,227, the maximum monthly benefit per child reaches €201. If the ISEE is not submitted or if it exceeds the permissible norms, the basic payment is reduced to 57.50 euros.
A separate expense item compensates for kindergarten attendance – up to 3,000 euros per year for families with ISEE up to 25,000 euros. If the income is higher, gradation is provided to 2,500 euros and 1,500, respectively. The payment can be calculated even if the child does not attend kindergarten, but has a chronic illness – this allows to compensate for the costs of care at home.
Municipalities have also provided special assistance for mothers who do not receive other benefits in connection with pregnancy. This so-called “municipal bonus” provides 407.40 euros per month for five months. It can be obtained by any woman whose ISEE does not exceed 20,382.90 euros, provided that an application is submitted to the relevant communal institution.
Discounts on utility services
Low-income Ukrainians in Italy can get discounts on electricity, gas and water bills if they have an ISEE.
If the household’s annual ISEE does not exceed €9,530, discounts for electricity, gas and water are automatically calculated. In large families (from four children), the limit has been increased to 20,000 euros. In addition to the permanent discount, a one-off payment of €200 is introduced in 2025 for electricity payments for households with an ISEE of up to €25,000. This aid should compensate for the increase in tariffs, which painfully hit vulnerable categories of the population, in particular refugees.
Social cards
The state introduced two tools of targeted assistance in the form of special cards. The first – Carta Acquisti – is intended for pensioners over the age of 65 and families with children under 3 years old. Its holders receive 80 euros every two months. For this, it is necessary that the ISEE does not exceed 8,117 euros, and the total income – 10,822.90 euros.
The second, Carta Dedicata a Te, is a one-off payment of €500 available to those whose ISEE does not exceed €15,000. An important condition: it cannot be obtained by someone who already uses other social assistance cards, in particular Carta Acquisti.
Targeted assistance for household appliances and psychotherapy
The program for updating household appliances gives the opportunity to receive a refund of up to 30% of the purchase price. For families with low ISEE, this is not symbolic, but practical help. The standard refund is up to €100, but if the family has an ISEE of less than €25,000, the amount of compensation increases to €200. It is not only about washing machines or refrigerators – the state encourages the transition to energy-efficient models.
In addition, the compensation program for psychotherapy services was expanded in 2025. If the ISEE of the household does not exceed 15,000 euros, the state compensates up to 1,500 euros for psychological assistance. For those whose income is up to EUR 30,000, the amount is reduced to EUR 1,000, and in the case of income up to EUR 50,000, to EUR 500. The distribution of funds is handled by regional administrations, and the application procedure should be specified in the local administration.
Many refugees in Italy either do not know about these benefits or do not understand that it is ISEE that opens access to them. In 2025, given the changes in the calculation of the indicator, it is not worth delaying: anyone who had an income surplus last year can pass the criteria this year. Obtaining a DSU is a real chance to get help, adapt, reduce the burden on the family and get a break in the struggle for daily survival in the conditions of emigration.
Provided the documents are properly prepared, a person with a low ISEE can not only pay less for electricity or get a grocery card, but also provide decent support for a child, a newborn, his own mental state – without humiliation, without long queues and with a real result.
