Can I get bonuses and benefits with the ISEE?
Yes: the ISEE is the key to many benefits. The ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) measures a family's economic condition, taking into account income, assets and household composition. It's needed to access many means-tested benefits: the Single Allowance for children, the Inclusion Allowance, bonuses, nursery and university fees, school canteens, concessions on bills and services. It's obtained free by submitting the DSU (Single Substitute Declaration) at a CAF, a patronato or directly online on the INPS site (also in a pre-filled version). The ISEE is valid for a year (expiring on 31 December) and must be renewed each year. For 2026 some thresholds and allowances were updated.
📋 The rules
- Measures the economic situation (income, assets, household)
- Needed for Single Allowance, ADI, bonuses, fees, canteens
- Requested free with the DSU (CAF, patronato, INPS online)
- Also available in a pre-filled version
- Valid for a year (expires 31 December); must be renewed
🔓 Exceptions
- Current ISEE: updates the indicator in case of a sudden income drop
- ISEE for specific benefits (university, social-health, minors)
- 2026 updates on thresholds and allowances (e.g. the home's value)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Without a valid ISEE you can't access benefits requiring it, or you only get the minimum amount (this is the case, for example, of the Single Allowance). Stating untrue data in the DSU to get a lower ISEE entails forfeiture of the benefits, the duty to repay what was unduly received and sanctions, including criminal ones. It's important to submit the DSU with correct data and, in case of a sharp income drop, consider the current ISEE, which reflects the updated situation. To request it, turn free to a CAF or a patronato, or use the INPS online service. Renew the ISEE each year to not lose the benefits.
📎 Official sources
- INPS · ISEE and Single Substitute Declaration (DSU) →
- Normattiva · Prime Ministerial Decree 159/2013 (ISEE rules) →
- Ministry of Labour · ISEE and social benefits →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the ISEE for?
It serves to measure a family's economic situation to access means-tested benefits: the Single Allowance, Inclusion Allowance, bonuses, nursery and university fees, school canteens, concessions on bills and services. Many benefits are scaled precisely by the ISEE value.
How do I request the ISEE?
By submitting the DSU (Single Substitute Declaration) free at a CAF, a patronato or directly online on the INPS site, also in the pre-filled version. After submission, INPS processes and issues the ISEE attestation, usually within a few days.
How long does the ISEE last?
The ISEE is valid for a year and expires on 31 December of the year it was issued. It must therefore be renewed each year by submitting a new DSU, updated with the most recent data, to keep accessing the benefits requiring it.
What is the current ISEE?
It's a version of the ISEE that reflects the updated economic situation, useful when there's been a significant, sudden income drop (e.g. from job loss). It lets you recalculate the indicator on recent income, rather than that of the reference year.
What do I risk if I make false declarations in the ISEE?
Forfeiture of the benefits obtained, the duty to repay what was unduly received and sanctions, including criminal ones. The DSU must be filled in with true data. In case of errors or changes, it's best to update the declaration, possibly with a CAF's or patronato's help.
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