Overview
- INPS has released definitive beneficiary lists to municipalities with card identifiers, and local authorities will notify recipients and post partially redacted lists on their websites through December 16.
- A total of 1,157,179 households are covered, with roughly 30% new recipients and 70% prior holders who are already receiving automatic €500 top‑ups.
- New beneficiaries must wait for their municipality's message before collecting the prepaid card at any Poste Italiane office, presenting ID and the assigned code, with collection allowed via a duly authorized delegate.
- The benefit is a one‑time €500 load restricted to essential food purchases, excluding alcohol and medicines, with participating retailers applying an additional 15% discount.
- Activation requires a first purchase by December 16, 2025 or the benefit is forfeited, and the full balance must be spent by February 28, 2026 when cards are deactivated.