2019 has arrived, but the basic income remains shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty that shows no sign of thinning out. It works more or less like this: at the same time that a draft decree is circulating, containing stakes and rules, the government's denials on this or that rule also arrive on time. Steps backwards that throw into chaos what is, together with 100, the most awaited measure of the year.
However, one thing seems to be confirmed: possible beneficiaries will be able to start sending applications from March. It therefore seems useful to try to do the point on the latest news relating to the citizen's income.
CITIZENSHIP INCOME: THE CHAOS ON FOREIGNERS
The latest draft of the decree on citizen's income provides that citizens can access the benefit foreigners residing in Italy for at least 5 years. However, the parameter was immediately called into question by Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, who has already announced the arrival of a change also to appease the excesses of the Northern League who instead would like to grant basic income only to Italians.
5 years of residence are too few, the threshold will be raised to 10. A stake that will make it possible to further reduce the number of beneficiaries (consequently limiting expenditure) and to try to return to the 7,1 billion agreed with the European Union (they were 9,1 in the first version of the Maneuver sent to Brussels). The doubt relating to the new limit, however, concerns the possible ones appeals to the Consulta and the European Court of Justice. We must bear in mind that, in the recent past, precisely on the perception of state subsidies, both the EU Court and the Constitutional Court have "punished" discriminatory rules against immigrants.
It should be emphasized that the one relating to the residence will not be the only stake foreseen for foreigners. In addition to this, in fact, you will need a clean criminal record to receive the income.
CITIZENSHIP INCOME: HOW AND WHEN TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
As mentioned, starting from March it will be possible to apply for citizenship income. The date to be marked in red on the calendar will be on March 1, 2019. The actual disbursement of the benefit, on the other hand, should start from April 2019.
The request must be submitted at post offices. The INPS will then take charge of the assessment of the requirements and the disbursement of the subsidy through a card created ad hoc, already called "citizenship card”. According to what was stated a few days ago by the Deputy Minister for the Economy, Laura Castelli, the income will also be paid through the app.
CITIZENSHIP INCOME: DOUBTS ABOUT THE AMOUNT
Also on this issue, which for many is the most important, there are important news. The maximum amount of basic income it will be 500 euros per month for a single person with zero ISEE and 1.050 euros per month for a family of 5 members, of which at least two are minors. The amount of the contribution will be increased by 280 euros if the single person or family lives in rented accommodation. Total: 780 euros for the first course, 1.320 euros for the second courses.
Instead, the "progressive" nature of the measure has been confirmed. Only those who present an ISEE equal to zero will receive the full check. All the others - within the Isee threshold of 9.360 euros - will receive the difference between their income and the basic income provided for by the citizen's income. Taking a practical example: with an ISEE equal to 200 euros per month and a house for rent, a single person will receive a total of 580 euros, while a family will have 1.120 euros available and so on.
Among the other stakes: real estate assets cannot exceed 30 thousand euros (first home excluded), while movable assets must not exceed 6 thousand euros.
In total, the audience of potential beneficiaries amounts to 1,3 million households. But of course, if they run out of resources, the allowance will shrink.
CITIZENSHIP INCOME: THE DURATION
Citizenship income can be received up to a maximum of 18 months, renewable. Obviously the duration will also depend on the efficiency and speed with which the employment centers will be able to find work for the beneficiaries. And it is precisely on this issue that a huge question mark opens up.
The budget law has allocated one billion (included in the 7,1 billion foreseen for the basic income) to reform the employment centers and "prepare" them for the incoming workload. Everything should take place in three months given that the basic income will start from April. The risk, very concrete, is therefore that many beneficiaries remain trapped in the maze of bureaucracy, waiting for someone to show up to make them the three job offers foreseen or to convey them towards the training courses that should make them employable.
I have been living here for 30 years. Before, I was at the University of Urbino. Now I live in Tuscany.