Italy: Organisation

With the exception of health care the Italian system of social protection is not organised according to one universal criterion. For each branch, in particular for pensions, there is one special administration which is responsible for the collection of contributions and the provision of benefits. The implementation of legislation and supervisory activities are assumed by the Ministries, in particular by the Ministry of Labour. 

Health Care

The Ministry of Health is the competent institution for this field. It administers the financial means, distributing them between the regions and municipal authorities that are in charge of benefit provision via "the local health units". 

Sickness and Maternity - Benefits in Kind

The Ministry of Labour is in charge of the matter as regards the employees of the private sector. The administration of contributions and benefits has been transferred to the National Social Welfare Institute (INPS) by means of an ad hoc administration. Civil servants do not receive cash benefits in the form of sick pay or maternity allowances, however, the State continues to pay their salaries.

Pensions

Private sector - employees

Competent institution: Ministry of Labour. The implementation is carried out by:

• the National Social Welfare Institute (INPS) for the general and certain special schemes: for each scheme an ad hoc administration has been intended;

• The National Welfare Institute for Industrial Managerial Employees (INPDAI): for managerial employees in industrial enterprises;

• The National Welfare Institute for Journalists (INPGI): for journalists. The system has been private since 1 January 1995;

• The National Welfare and Assistance Institute for Artists (ENPALS): for artists and soccer players.

Public Sector

The administration of the pensions for civil servants and of the benefits for employees of the local authorities falls within the responsibility of the National Welfare Institute for Employees of Public Authorities (INPDAP).

Self-employed Persons

For farmers, craftsmen and persons engaged in a business or trade there are special schemes within the INPS. For the professions there are ad hoc schemes which are being privatised.

Employment Injuries and Occupational Diseases

Competent institution: Ministry of Labour. The collection of contributions and provision of benefits are carried out by the National Institute for Insurance against Employment Injuries (INAIL). 

Family Benefits

Competent institution: Ministry of Labour. The collection of contributions and provision of benefits has been transferred to an ad hoc body within the INPS. The State is directly in charge of one part of the financing of benefits.

Unemployment

Competent institution: Ministry of Labour. The collection of contributions and provision of benefits has been transferred to an ad hoc body within the INPS. This body also includes all non-contributory benefits granted by the INPS: early retirement pensions, social pensions, minimum pensions.

Guaranteeing Sufficient Resources

 Competent institution: Ministry of the Interior. Benefits are granted at the local level and administered by the regional and/ or the local authorities.

Ministero del lavoro e della
previdenza sociale
Via Flavia, n. 6
I-00187 Roma

Ministero della Sanita
P. le Dell’Industria, n. 20
I-00144 Roma

Ministero dell’Interno
Palazzo del Viminale
I-00184 Roma

Istituto nazionale della sicurezza Sociale (INPS)
Via Ciro il Grande, n. 21
I-00144 Roma

Istituto nazionale contro
gli infortuni sul lavoro (INAIL)
Via IV Novembre, n. 144
I-00187 Roma

ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DELLA PREVIDENZA PER I DIRIGENTI DI AZIENDE INDUSTRIALI (INPDAI)
Viale delle Provincie, 196
I-00162 ROMA

ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI PREVIDENZA PER I DIPENDENTI DELL’AMMINISTRAZIONE PUBBLICA (INPDAP)
Via S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 55
I-00100 ROMA