South Tyrol to Significantly Increase Child Benefits from January 2026

Major Reform for Families in South Tyrol

The autonomous province of South Tyrol, Italy, is set to significantly increase its provincial child allowance from January 1, 2026. This comprehensive reform, approved by the provincial government in October 2025, aims to provide substantial financial relief to families, strengthen purchasing power, and ensure greater social justice across the region. The measures include higher monthly contributions and an adjustment of the income limits, known as ISEE values.

Provincial Councillor for Families, Rosmarie Pamer, emphasized that the adjustment was 'urgently necessary' due to a decline in recipient families, partly attributed to outdated income limits that excluded many working households. Pamer stated, 'We want to send a clear signal to strengthen families in South Tyrol and increase their purchasing power.'

New Contribution Tiers and ISEE Thresholds

The core of the reform lies in the revised scaling of monthly contributions, which are directly linked to a family's ISEE value (Indicator of Economic Situation). The new structure introduces more equitable distribution of benefits:

• Families with an ISEE value of up to €15,000 will now receive €76 per child per month, an increase from the previous €70.
• A new income category has been established for families with an ISEE between €15,000.01 and €30,000, who will receive €68 per month. Previously, many in this bracket received only €55.
• For families with an ISEE value ranging from €30,000.01 to €46,000, the monthly contribution will be €60. The maximum ISEE threshold for eligibility has also been raised from €40,000 to €46,000, extending support to a broader group of families.

This adjustment aims to rectify previous inequities that disadvantaged families just above the lowest income thresholds.

Enhanced Support for Children with Disabilities and Other Provisions

The reform also significantly boosts financial assistance for families caring for children with disabilities. Depending on the severity of the disability, monthly rates for minors can reach up to €326, and for adults with disabilities, up to €271.

Beyond financial contributions, the new guidelines address several administrative aspects to improve accessibility and fairness. These include:

• Returnees: The 'historical residence' requirement of 15 years in South Tyrol will now apply even if the residence has not been continuous for a full year immediately prior to application, easing the process for South Tyroleans returning to the region.
• Adoptions: For international adoptions, provincial benefits will be granted from the date of entry approval, rather than waiting for the final court ruling.
• Parental Leave: Changes to the provincial family allowance+ aim to promote 'active fatherhood,' allowing benefits if both parents take at least one month of parental leave, reduced from the previous two months.

Application Process and Recommendations

Families are encouraged to update their ISEE declaration promptly to fully benefit from the new subsidies. Applications for the provincial child allowance can be submitted from January 1, 2026, either digitally via the myCivis portal or in person through a patronage.