From July 2024, INPS will revolutionize the payment system of pensions for residents ofabroad. Until now, pensioners could choose between three methods: credit to current account, cash collection and paper check. However, starting next month, the check will be permanently eliminated. Anyone who has not sent the information for payment to a current account to Citibank (the operator of the payment service for social security checks abroad) by June 15th will have to collect the cash at a Western Union counter. But there is still time to contact Citibank service and get clarification.
Who will be affected by the stoppage of pension payments abroad?
This revolution will affect approx 300 thousand Italians who live abroad. These are individuals who live in European countries, especially Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Slovakia, looking for more advantageous socioeconomic conditions, or outside the EU.
Initially, residents of Europe will be affected, with the suspension of paper checks already underway in the rest of the world. The INPS announced in March that payments by check are often compromised by postal delays, loss and damage, and are a vehicle for embezzlement.
Retirement abroad: what changes?
Already in March, the INPS had started the first abolitions of the allowances in Austria, Belgium, Tunisia and Australia. In recent months, Italian pensioners residing in Europe have received a form from Citibank to be completed and returned by June 15th. In addition to the form, it was necessary to attach a copy of a valid identity document and a document from your foreign banking institution, showing your bank details (Bic and Iban, or Sort Code and account number for UK residents).
Anyone who has not respected this deadline will receive the July 2024 pension in cash, which can be collected from one Western Union counter (or at the Citibank correspondent bank in your country, such as PostFinance in Switzerland). Even for new retirees or those moving abroad, the July payment will be made in cash if bank information has not been provided.
Pensioners who have missed this deadline are at no immediate risk, but quick action is required to avoid problems starting July 2024, XNUMX. Here what to do:
- Contact the Citibank support service available via the dedicated web page, which also provides the toll-free numbers for the various countries.
- Write an email to pensionati@citi.com. The service is active from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 20pm (Italian time), with an automatic interactive service available after hours.
- Call +39 02 6943 0693.
- Contact the local patronage offices.
- Send an email to the Pensions Central Directorate at the following address.
