Social services and financial support
How to navigate municipal services, ISEE, CAF offices, patronati and benefits for people and families.
Start from the specific need
Social services include national, regional and municipal support for families, disabled people, older people, people without stable housing and households facing economic or housing hardship.
Some measures depend on income and ISEE, while others require a social-work assessment or specific residence conditions. Each benefit has its own rules and deadlines.
What to do
1. Municipality
The local social desk provides information, appointments with social workers and access to local programmes.
2. INPS
INPS manages many national benefits and online applications.
3. CAF
A CAF can help prepare the DSU used to obtain an ISEE certificate.
4. Patronato
Patronati assist with various welfare, pension and residence-related procedures. Ask which services are free.
Before you start
- Write down your main need and when it began.
- Bring identification, tax code and residence documents if requested.
- Prepare ISEE, rent, bills or relevant health and school documents.
- Keep the protocol number and a copy of every application.
Frequently asked questions
Does a low ISEE automatically give me support?
No. ISEE measures household finances, but every benefit still requires a separate application and eligibility check.
Can foreign citizens apply?
Many measures are available to foreign citizens, but permit and residence requirements vary.
Who should I contact in a housing emergency?
Contact municipal social services immediately and clearly explain if children, violence or immediate danger are involved.
Need a first orientation?
Ask Sportellino in your language, then verify the information with the responsible authority.