Employee benefits
Italy’s 2027 parental leave proposal for pay at 80%
Employee benefits · · 3 min read
By Lorenzo Schiavone · calculator developer
Italy’s draft 2027 budget would increase the months of parental leave paid at 80% for employees who finish maternity leave or, alternatively, paternity leave after 31 December 2026. The proposed total at 80% ranges from four to six months depending on the child’s birth order. As of 8 November the Chamber of Deputies is considering the measure. Bill A.C. 3174-bis, article 59
How many months at 80% the bill would provide
Article 59 changes the last of the three months that can currently be paid at the higher rate. Under the bill, that month would become two for the first child, three for the second and four for the third or subsequent child. The two existing higher-rate months would also count where eligible.
The table shows the proposed combined maximum for parents who meet the conditions. The change concerns how much of the leave they are entitled to would be paid at the higher rate.
| Child | Total months at 80% |
|---|---|
| First child | 4 months |
| Second child | 5 months |
| Third or subsequent child | 6 months |
How parental leave works in 2026
In 2026 the general window for employees extends to age 14, or 14 years after a child joins the family through adoption or fostering, within the statutory limits. INPS allows up to three months combined at 80% for eligible parents, to be used within the first six years. Check the date of birth or placement, the end of statutory maternity or paternity leave where relevant, and the leave already used. INPS guidance for employees
The higher rate raises payment for some months from 30% to 80%. Use the relevant average daily pay under INPS rules as the base. The rate applies to that base before deductions.
An example with two leave end dates
An employee who finishes maternity leave on 28 December 2026 and starts parental leave in January would fall outside the time condition in article 59. Someone who finishes on 10 January 2027 would meet that condition. Statutory requirements and leave already taken still matter in both cases.
Before arranging time off, write down the end date of maternity or paternity leave, the days both parents have used and the dates you want to request. Check your employer’s notice requirements and any terms in the collective agreement.
How to apply under the current rules
For applications handled by INPS, apply before the leave begins and keep the receipt. INPS says that if you apply after the start, only days after the filing date are paid. Public-sector workers should check their administration’s procedure. INPS application instructions
Frequently asked questions
Are four months at 80% already available in 2026? ▾
The 2026 rules provide eligible parents with up to three months combined at 80%. The proposed four, five or six months depend on the 2027 bill.
Would starting parental leave in January 2027 be enough? ▾
Article 59 uses the date maternity leave or, alternatively, paternity leave ends. The date parental leave starts is a separate detail.
Is the 80% applied to take-home pay? ▾
It applies to the average daily pay used to calculate the benefit, before deductions.
Sources and method
- Chamber of Deputies · text of bill A.C. 3174-bis
- INPS · employee parental leave, rules and applications
- INPS · allocation of months paid at 80%
Each guide states the period it covers and the assumptions behind its examples. Net pay estimates flag any prior-year municipal rates. The actual monthly payslip may differ from the annual average.