The Italian social security system is managed by INPS - National Social Security Institute and it is funded by national insurance contributions paid by employed workers, employers, independent workers and self-employed workers, as well as through general taxation, working in Italy regardless their citizenship.
The opportunity to obtain the following benefits by paying contributions depend on whether the person concerned has a permit of stay or residence papers:
- pensions
- sickness and maternity/parental leave
- unemployment benefit
- family allowances
- etc.
Benefit amounts are based on the length of time the worker has contributed to the Italian system and to the level of their earnings.
Pay attention that certain benefits such as those for sickness (a medical certificate issued by a GP of the SSN is required), maternity and parental leave, unemployment and family allowances can be claimed upon the conditions are met during the stay in Italy.
Please ask information about that to your hosting organisation or employer.
Pension contribution are paid monthly but it is not possible to claim them back before the pension age/pension contribution is met.
Before moving to/from Italy it is advisable to contact INPS to get information about your own pension contribution. Social security rights accrued working abroad can be transferred to another EU country under certain conditions or to Non EU country provided that Italy has signed a bilateral agreement with it.
