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First child: baby bonus, parental leave, child allowance (2026)
Having a first child entails important rights and bonuses: baby bonus (up to €1,200), maternity allowance, paternity leave, universal child allowance, childcare bonus. This guide explains which bonuses you are entitled to, when to apply, critical deadlines, and the exact amount based on your ISEE.
Authority
INPS — Prestazioni Familiari
Time
2–3 ore
Updated
Apr 2026
What you need
- ✓Parent and child tax code
- ✓Current ISEE
- ✓IRPEF declaration (form 730 or Redditi)
- ✓ID document
- ✓SPID for online procedures
Step-by-step procedure
1
Apply for maternity allowanceIf you are an employee, your employer automatically pays the INPS allowance during the 5 months of mandatory leave (before and after birth). If you are self-employed, request the online form from INPS via SPID within 30 days of birth. Amount: 80% of average salary.
The 5 months (300 days) are divided: 2 months before birth + 3 months after (flexible).
2
Apply for paternity leaveYou are entitled to 10 days of mandatory paternity leave within 5 months of birth (cumulative with mother's leave, not instead of). In 2025, the father can take them even on individual days. Notify your employer in advance.
Paternity leave is paid at 100% of salary.
3
Apply for baby bonus (up to €1,200)The baby bonus is an allowance of €100-€200 per month for 12 months after birth (up to €1,200-€2,400 total). The amount varies based on ISEE. Apply online via SPID at INPS by January 31 of the year following birth. If you miss the deadline, you can request it from the Revenue Agency in your 730 return.
Important deadline: January 31 of the following year. If you miss it, the bonus is halved or lost.
4
Apply for universal child allowanceThe universal child allowance is the main family bonus: €50-€200 per month per child until age 21 (or 26 if in education). The amount varies based on ISEE. Apply online via SPID at INPS. Once granted, it is automatic every month until age 21.
The universal allowance replaced family allowances in 2022. It is the main bonus for families with children.
5
If needed, apply for childcare bonusIf you enroll your child in a private or public daycare, you can claim a reimbursement of up to €3,000 per year (based on ISEE) for fees paid. Apply online via SPID at INPS, attaching daycare invoices. Reimbursement once per year.
The childcare bonus must be requested by December 31 of the enrollment year.
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Assegno Unico Universale — Guida INPS
INPS
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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