by EH
In a bid to bolster support for families in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, the regional government has announced significant enhancements to its family assistance program. The amendments, spearheaded by Assessor Alessia Rosolen, entail both an increase in financial aid and adjustments to eligibility criteria, marking a substantial shift in the region’s welfare initiatives.
Under the revamped scheme, families with dependent minor children, particularly those who have been residents of Friuli Venezia Giulia for at least five years, will see a notable rise in the value of the allowances provided. Concurrently, the maximum income threshold, as measured by the Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator (ISEE), has been raised, expanding the pool of eligible beneficiaries for the Family Card package, which includes the Family Endowment.
The previous year saw approximately 37,000 citizens benefitting from the regional contribution embedded within the Family Endowment. Initially set at €400 per minor, the allowance decreased to €200 for applicants residing in the region for less than five years. An additional €100 was allocated for households with a disabled member. Moreover, recognizing the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living, a one-time supplementary contribution of €200 was introduced exclusively for 2023.
In contrast, the current year brings forth a series of reforms. Rosolen’s office has opted to augment both the value of the allowance and the ISEE threshold for Family Card holders, a prerequisite for accessing the Family Endowment benefits. Families with an ISEE of up to €35,000 – previously capped at €30,000 – and a dependent child under 18 years old can now receive €560 in financial assistance from the Regional Government. This amount reduces to €280 for applicants with less than five years of residency in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Furthermore, the allocation of an extra €100 remains in place for households with a disabled member for the year 2024. The region estimates that the heightened ISEE threshold will extend the reach of the program to an additional 5,000 families, bringing the total beneficiaries to 42,000. Rosolen’s department has reaffirmed its commitment to the program for the next three years, with a total allocation of €74 million, of which €24 million is earmarked for the current fiscal year.
Additionally, amendments to the application process, including a shift in the deadline from January 1st to April 1st, have been enacted following consultations with municipal authorities.
The Family Endowment, a cornerstone of the region’s welfare strategy, serves as a lifeline for families facing economic strain. By providing financial assistance for expenses related to child care, education, and recreational activities, the program aims to alleviate the financial burden on households and promote the well-being of children.
As the region navigates economic challenges and strives to build a more inclusive society, initiatives like the Family Endowment underscore the government’s commitment to fostering social equity and supporting vulnerable populations.
