The social bonus for electricity, gas and water represents one of the main economic support measures for Italian families in difficulty. From the access methods to the necessary requirements, through the amounts and the new features for 2024, this complete guide will help you understand how to benefit from this fundamental help.
Requirements for the Social Bonus for Economic Hardship
The social bonus is dedicated to families with a ISEE up to 9,530 euros or, in the case of large families, with at least four dependent children and one ISEE up to 20,000 euros. Here are the main details:
- Single bonus per service: each unit can obtain only one bonus per type of user (electricity, gas, water) per year of validity of the Single Substitute Declaration (DSU).
- Direct supply: the contract must be registered in the name of a member of the family unit. Contracts registered in the name of third parties (e.g. home owner in case of rental) do not give entitlement to the bonus.
- Centralized supply: valid for condominiums, provided that the services are active and used for residential premises.
Bonus for physical discomfort: support for families with serious illnesses
In addition to the financial bonus, those who experience a serious illness or have family members who need medical-therapeutic equipment can access a dedicated benefit. There are no ISEE limits, but it is necessary to submit an application to the municipality of residence or to a designated body such as a CAF.
Requirements and Necessary Documents
- ASL certificate: must certify:
- The pathology and the need for life-saving equipment.
- The type of equipment used and the daily time of use.
- The address of the house where the equipment is installed.
- Personal documents: identity document and tax code of the applicant and, if different, of the patient.
- Technical information: POD code and committed power, found on the bill.
The bonus is cumulative with that for economic hardship, guaranteeing double support to families.
Bonus amounts and calculation
The value of the bonus varies depending on the type of servicethe family size and, for gas, the climate zone. Here is an overview of the amounts for 2024:
Light bonus
- From 180 to 600 euros/yeardivided into 12 months, with increasing amounts based on the number of family members.
Gas bonus
- The amounts depend on the climate zone and use (hot water, heating, or combined):
- Families of up to 4 members: from 60 to 120 euros/year.
- Families with more than 4 members: increased amounts.
Water bonus
- It guarantees free supply of 18.25 m³ per person per year (50 liters per day), with variable amounts depending on local tariffs.
Bonus for physical discomfort
- The amount depends on three factors:
- Power of the contract.
- Type of life-saving equipment.
- Hours of use per day.
To find out the specific amounts you can use the simulator on the portal SGAte.
THE 12 months validity of the social bonus for electricity, gas and water start from the date of approval of the Single Substitute Declaration (DSU) necessary for the calculation ofISEE. In practice:
- Once theINPS receives and validates the DSU, the data is transmitted to the Integrated Information System (SII), and the bonus is applied retroactively to the supplies concerned, with a duration of 12 months starting from the moment the DSU was accepted.
For example:
- If the DSU is approved in January 2024, the bonus will be valid until January 2025.
At the end of the 12 months, it is necessary to present a new DSU to continue to benefit from the benefits.
How to apply
Economic hardship
- It is not necessary to apply. Simply send the DSU for the ISEE to INPS, which will send the data to the Integrated Information System (SII). Discounts will be applied automatically on the bill.
Physical discomfort
- A formal application is required from the Municipality or a designated body, accompanied by:
- ASL certificate.
- Form B completed.
- Technical and personal documents.
News and updates
From 2024, with the end of gas protection, the Authority has updated the tariffs for customers of the protected market for the last time. For light, a decline of is expected 10.8% in the first quarter. Furthermore, for those with an ISEE between 9,530 and 15,000 euros, the electricity bonus will be paid at a reduced rate of 80%.
In addition to the social bonus, other measures are available such asSingle allowance for children and theInclusion Allowance (ADI).
For more details, consult the portal SGAte or contact the toll-free number 800 166 654 for assistance.