How the € 800 bonus for separated fathers works (which also applies to mothers)

After a regulatory process that lasted over eight months, the bonus for separated parents which had been introduced during the parliamentary conversion thanks to an amendment to the Sostegni decree proposed by the Lega has become a reality. The measure is designed to help separated parents in need who must provide for their own maintenance and that of their children: “It is a measure that has had a long process, because in the formulation with which the League had presented it it was in fact inapplicable”- said the Minister for Equal Opportunities and the Family Elena Bonetti. “It was good in most of its intentions but it had to be tweaked to make it applicable and fair to all children of separated couples“.

The requirements to access it

To access the bonus you need to have an income of less than or equal to 8174 euros in the year in which support is requested. In addition, the applicant must prove that he has undergone one reduction or one Suspension work activity starting from 8 March 2020 for at least 90 days. Alternatively, it will be necessary to demonstrate that you have had a decrease in income of at least 30% between 2019 and 2020. Finally, the bonus will be paid exclusively to parents who, between 8 March 2020 and 31 March 2022, they did not receive the maintenance allowance or have received it only partially.

It is important to keep in mind that although support is colloquially known as a “separated father bonus”, mothers too, if they respect the criteria set out here, will be eligible to receive it.

How much is it worth

The amount that will be paid to each eligible applicant it can reach 800 euros per month for a total of 9600 euros per year. The contribution has a duration of one year and will also be paid to separated parents of severely handicapped adult children. It should also be noted that the government allocation for this measure amounts to 10 million euros; the bonus will then be paid based on the availability of the fund and the number of applicants, until the resources are exhausted.

How to apply

The implementing decree with the precise indications on the disbursement process has not yet been published, but the details for submitting the application will be provided on the website of the Department of Family Policy as soon as they are available.