Italy opens rent subsidy for separated parents: up to €6,000 per year now claimable
A new national housing fund became operational this week, offering separated and divorced parents up to €6,000 per year to help cover rent. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport activated the online application portal on 7 October 2026 at 12:00, making the contributo per il sostegno abitativo fully accessible to eligible applicants across Italy.
Who qualifies and what the benefit covers
The subsidy is reserved for parents who lost the family home following a separation or divorce. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, announcing the measure on Rai Tre's Filorosso programme, described it as a historic first for Italy — a targeted intervention for those who must continue paying the mortgage on their former home while also funding a new residence.
The contribution covers 50% of actual rent costs, with a monthly ceiling of €500. To qualify, applicants must meet strict criteria:
• Be a separated or divorced parent not assigned the family home of which they are co-owner.
• Have at least one dependent child under 21 years old.
• Hold a registered rental contract in their name.
• Earn no more than €35,000 annually in individual income — assessed via the latest tax return, not ISEE.
• Be up to date with child maintenance payments ordered by the court.
• Not own any other residential property within 50 kilometres of the former family home.
The measure is funded with €20 million per year for the 2026–2028 period, drawn from the 2026 Budget Law. Government estimates suggest the annual allocation could support roughly 3,300 beneficiaries receiving the full €6,000. Where applications exceed available funds, priority goes to parents with more dependent children, those with disabilities, the involuntarily unemployed, and residents of high housing-tension areas.
How to apply before the 28 October deadline
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the dedicated Ministry platform at . Access requires SPID digital identity, Electronic Identity Card (CIE), or National Services Card (CNS).
Applicants should prepare the following documents before logging in:
• Separation or divorce decree.
• Registered rental contract.
• Latest tax return showing income.
• Documentation of dependent children.
• Proof of compliance with maintenance obligations.
• Bank details (IBAN) for payment.
The Ministry urges applicants not to wait until the last moment, though order of submission has no bearing on ranking. In case of portal congestion near the deadline, a backup procedure allows completion within 24 hours provided the waiting page remains open.
As of 8 October 2026, no official figures on submitted applications have been released, given the portal has been live for less than 24 hours. A Ministry press conference scheduled for tomorrow may provide initial data.
What changes for residents
For a separated parent paying rent in a major Italian city — where a one-bedroom apartment often costs €800–€1,000 monthly — this subsidy could cover roughly half that expense, easing the financial strain of maintaining two households. The measure aims to ensure parents can remain physically close to their children after a marital breakdown.
The benefit is not cumulative with other public housing subsidies serving the same purpose. Applicants previously awarded social housing or other rent assistance simultaneously cannot claim this contribution.
The portal remains open for submissions until 28 October 2026. Rankings will be automatically generated by region once the application window closes.
