by InTrieste
The Municipality of Trieste has announced the opening of a new application process for the “Caregiver Contribution” program, aimed at supporting family caregivers. The program provides financial assistance to those who care for family members with serious health conditions or disabilities, with the deadline for applications set for Sunday, October 27, 2024.
This initiative is designed to alleviate some of the burdens faced by family caregivers, a growing but often overlooked group in Italy. Under the guidelines of the program, family caregivers are defined as individuals who provide at-home care to their spouse, civil union partner, domestic partner, or close relative. Caregivers take on the role of assisting family members who, due to illness, disability, or degenerative conditions, are no longer able to care for themselves. These family members must be recognized as requiring long-term, continuous care according to Italian law.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the contribution, caregivers must meet several criteria. They must have a household income of less than €30,000 per year and must be the sole caregiver seeking the benefit for each person in their care. Both the caregiver and the person being cared for must reside in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The person receiving care must meet specific requirements, such as being officially recognized as non-self-sufficient due to a health condition or holding an accompaniment allowance—a form of government aid reserved for those needing round-the-clock assistance.
The aid package includes a monthly contribution of €300, distributed over a maximum period of 12 months. This financial support begins in the month after the approval of a personalized care plan for the family, and payments will be made retroactively. Importantly, recipients will not need to submit detailed financial reports to qualify for continued support.
Limitations and Application Process
Previous recipients of this financial aid are ineligible to reapply, and only one caregiver can seek the contribution for each person in need of care. This limitation seeks to ensure that resources are distributed fairly to families in need across the region.
The application process requires caregivers to submit several documents, including a copy of their identity card and a completed “Zarit Burden Interview” form, which measures caregiver stress. Applications can be submitted electronically via certified email or in person at the Municipality of Trieste’s document reception office.
Residents who wish to apply can download the application materials from the city’s official website or pick up physical copies at the Department of Social Services on Via Mazzini. The department’s office is open during the week for inquiries and assistance in completing applications.
For more information, caregivers are encouraged to contact the city’s social services hotline at 040 9714545, which is available from Monday to Friday during regular business hours.
Contact Information:
Municipality of Trieste
Social Services Department
Via Mazzini 25, Trieste
Tel: 040 9714545
Email: comune.trieste@certgov.fvg.it
