title: Legislative Decree No. 5, 13 January 1988.
abstract: The basic objective of this Italian Decree on family allowances is to establish a single allowance for the whole of the family unit in order to replace the previous benefits, and, particularly, family allowances for children with their various supplements and benefits in respect of dependent parents and other members of the family.  The new allowance is calculated according to a scale that decreases in relation to the family income and the size of the family (which is restricted to the spouse and to children under 18 years of age, or of any age if they suffer from total disability).  Children over 18 years of age, even when they are continuing their studies, and other dependent family members no longer give rise to entitlement to benefits.  Under the new scheme, the monthly allowance for a family made up of four persons, which would amount to 230,000 lira in the case of a family income of less than 12 million lira per year, is reduced to the minimum payment of 20,000 lira as a family income approaches 33 million lira and disappears entirely where the family income exceeds that figure.  In the case of two-person families or a single-parent family with one child, the allowance is no longer provided in cases where annual income exceeds 21 million lira.  If, however, the family is made up of seven persons (the maximum number taken into consideration), the income ceiling is 42 million lira.  Income brackets are increased in the case of single-parent families and families where at least one of the members suffers from total disability.  Benefits are adjusted annually in line with increases in the price index.  The scope of the scheme and employers' contributions remain unchanged.
mesh_terms: D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children; D019049:Developed Countries; D005060:Europe; D016656:Family Planning Policy; D007558:Italy; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D011640:Public Policy
keywords: Developed Countries; Europe; Family Allowances--legal aspects; Family Policy; Italy; Legislation; Mediterranean Countries; Policy; Social Policy; Southern Europe