Retiring early in Italy can feel like a far-off dream — but for certain workers in tough situations, the Ape Sociale (Anticipo Pensionistico Sociale) offers a way to step away from work before the standard pension age.
Let’s break it down.
đź“Ś What is Ape Sociale?
The Ape Sociale is a form of early retirement benefit funded by the Italian State.
It’s meant for workers who:
- Have reached at least 63 years of age
- Are in specific hardship categories
- Haven’t yet reached the ordinary retirement age (67 years in 2025)
- Have enough years of contributions
The benefit is paid monthly by INPS until you reach your official pension age. Think of it as a financial bridge between your working life and your full retirement.
đź‘Ą Who Can Get It?
Not everyone qualifies. The law specifies 4 main categories:
- Unemployed
- Lost your job involuntarily (e.g., company closure, dismissal)
- Have finished unemployment benefits (NASpI)
- Have at least 30 years of contributions
- Caregivers
- Assist a spouse, partner, or family member with severe disability (per Italian law 104) for at least 6 months
- At least 30 years of contributions
- Disabled Workers
- Disability of at least 74% certified
- At least 30 years of contributions
- Heavy/Demanding Jobs (“lavori gravosi”)
- Have done physically demanding work for at least 7 years in the last 10 or 6 years in the last 7
- At least 36 years of contributions
đź’¶ How Much is the Ape Sociale?
- Maximum €1,500 per month, not subject to IRPEF bonus or 14th-month bonus.
- Paid for 12 months a year (no 13th month bonus).
- Stops once you qualify for your ordinary pension.
đź“ť How to Apply
You must apply to INPS in two steps:
- Request for Certification of Requirements
- This is to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Deadlines:
- 31 March (priority processing)
- 15 July (second round)
- 30 November (final window, only if funds remain)
- Application for Payment
- Once INPS certifies your right, you submit the payment request.
- You can do both online (with SPID, CIE, or CNS) or via a patronato (free assistance service).
đź“… Example Timeline
If you turn 63 in May 2025 and lose your job in March 2025 after finishing NASpI, you could:
- Apply for certification by 31 March 2025
- Receive the first Ape Sociale payment by June or July 2025
⚠️ Important Notes
- Ape Sociale cannot be combined with other direct pensions.
- If you go back to work, the payment is suspended.
- Contributions from abroad can count if covered by EU or bilateral agreements.
âś… Summary Table
| Requirement | Unemployed | Caregiver | Disabled | Heavy Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 63+ | 63+ | 63+ | 63+ |
| Contribution Years | 30 | 30 | 30 | 36 |
| Specific Condition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Monthly Benefit | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 |
| Duration | Until retirement age | Until retirement age | Until retirement age | Until retirement age |
Bottom line:
The Ape Sociale is a safety net for older workers in tough situations, giving them an income until they reach the full pension age. If you’re over 63, have enough contributions, and fall into one of the four hardship categories, it’s worth checking your eligibility.