What is the difference between ordinary (CIGO) and extraordinary (CIGS) CIG?

CIGO covers temporary and unforeseen crises (bad weather, lack of orders) for industrial companies: max 13 consecutive weeks, max 52 weeks in two years. CIGS covers restructuring, company crises, solidarity contracts: max 24 months in five years for restructuring. Cassa in Deroga covers sectors and companies not covered by ordinary schemes.

Does CIG count as pension contributions?

Partially. CIG generates notional contributions (virtually credited) that count towards reaching the contributory seniority required for pension purposes. However, they affect the pension less than actual contributions because they are calculated on the benefit, not the full wage.

What happens if the company does not pay CIG via payroll balance?

If the company is in financial difficulty or insolvent, you can request direct payment from INPS by completing form SR41 (available on inps.it). INPS will pay directly to your IBAN. Contact your trade union or a labour consultant.

← Go back

Mediumlavoro

Available in:🇮🇹IT 🇬🇧EN

Redundancy fund (CIG): how it works and what workers receive

The Cassa Integrazione Guadagni (CIG) is an INPS tool that partially replaces the wages of workers when a company reduces or suspends activity due to a temporary crisis. It is the company, not the worker, that applies. The worker receives directly from INPS (or via the company) 80% of the gross wages lost, up to a monthly ceiling.

Authority

INPS

Time

20 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Bank or postal IBAN in the worker's name (for direct INPS payment)
✓Documentation requested by the company for the union procedure (the company manages the process)
✓Completed SR41 form (for direct INPS payment if the company is insolvent)

Step-by-step procedure

The company opens the process (not the worker)

It is the company that applies to INPS for CIG, following consultation with trade unions (mandatory for CIGS). Your employer will inform you of the suspension or reduced hours period, the CIG start/end dates, and whether payment is made via the company (balance on payslip) or directly by INPS. You have the right to receive this communication in writing.

Within 15 days of CIG starting, provide your employer with your IBAN for any direct payment.

Check the amount you will receive

The wage supplement equals 80% of the gross global wages lost, up to the INPS ceiling (updated annually: approximately €1,321 net/month for wages up to ~€2,159 gross; approximately €1,588 net/month for higher wages). No pension contributions accrue on CIG payments. Annual leave does not accrue during zero-hours CIG.

The INPS ceiling is updated every January. Check the current amount on the INPS website.

Can you work elsewhere during CIG?

Yes, but with limitations. If you undertake other work during CIG you must notify INPS immediately: you may lose entitlement to wage supplement for the days worked elsewhere. Vocational training is permitted. Working in the same capacity for a competitor is prohibited. Always check with a labour consultant.

📄

Portale INPS — Cassa Integrazione

INPS

Open →

Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

INPS

Phone

803 164

Certified email

Website

Visit site →

Was this guide helpful?

Remind me later

The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.