Some of the most vulnerable individuals present on Italian territory — victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and labour exploitation — often find themselves in a paradoxical situation: they are in urgent need of financial support, yet are unable to satisfy the ordinary eligibility requirements to access it. With Circular No. 58 of 20 May 2026, INPS has finally addressed this gap, introducing a special regulatory framework that allows holders of residence permits issued for «special cases» to obtain the Inclusion Allowance (ADI) by way of derogation from the standard rules. This is a significant development, which deserves to be thoroughly understood by those who assist these individuals — whether legally, socially, or within a family context.
Who are the beneficiaries of this measure?
The circular is specifically addressed to foreign nationals holding residence permits governed by Articles 18, 18-bis and 18-ter of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Testo Unico Immigrazione). These are permits issued in contexts of particular severity, including:
- victims of human trafficking or reduction to slavery;
- victims of labour exploitation and illegal gang-mastering (caporalato);
- victims of forced prostitution;
- victims of domestic violence or serious abuse within a family setting;
- individuals whose involvement in judicial or welfare proceedings exposes them to a concrete risk to their personal safety.
These permits are typically issued following police investigations, anti-trafficking operations, or referrals by social services and anti-violence centres. Those who hold them are, by definition, in a condition of extreme vulnerability that frequently makes it impossible to meet the ordinary criteria for access to welfare benefits.
Key derogations: no ISEE, no residency requirements
The core of the new regulatory framework lies in the derogations from the ordinary eligibility requirements prescribed for the ADI. For holders of permits issued for «special cases», the following do not apply:
- the requirement of five years of residency in Italy;
- the requirement of continuous residency over the preceding two years;
- the ordinary ISEE thresholds (normally set below €10,140);
- the income and asset limits, including those relating to bank accounts, immovable property, and savings.
In practice, a person in this situation may submit an application for the ADI without an ISEE certification and without being required to demonstrate years of integration within the territory. However, checks remain in force with regard to any criminal convictions, preventive measures, or extended periods of residence abroad, as well as the possession of certain durable goods deemed incompatible with a state of need.