In a notice published on its website on September 26, 2025, INPS outlined the eligibility criteria for accessing maternity and paternity benefits for individuals enrolled in the Gestione Separata scheme. These protections, traditionally associated with employees, are also available to self-employed professionals and collaborators, providing financial support during pregnancy and the early months of a child’s life.
To qualify for the benefit, applicants must be registered with the Gestione Separata, must not be receiving a pension, must not be covered by another mandatory maternity insurance scheme, and must have paid at least one month of contributions to the Gestione Separata within the twelve months preceding the maternity or paternity period.
The standard maternity period covers two months before and three months after childbirth (with flexibility options), totaling five months. During this time, abstention from work is not mandatory, meaning the mother may continue working while receiving the allowance. Additionally, if the income earned in the year prior to the event was below €8,145 (or €9,456.53 for 2025), an additional three months of benefits may be requested.
As for fathers, INPS specifies that paternity leave is granted under the same conditions as maternity leave, in cases where the mother is unable to take advantage of the benefit due to death, serious illness, abandonment of the child, or exclusive custody granted to the father. In such cases, the duration corresponds to the unused portion of the mother’s leave or, if the mother is not employed, to three months from the date of birth.
The benefit amounts to 80% of 1/365 of the income considered for contribution purposes and is paid directly by INPS via bank or postal transfer. Applications must be submitted online through the INPS portal within one year from the end of the eligible period; after this deadline, the right to the benefit expires.