You have until the end of May to submit the application to INPS to obtain the psychologist bonus. 8 million have been allocated for 2024, compared to the 5 used for 2023, a budget that could be insufficient considering the number of potential applicants. In 2022, for example, with a budget of 25 million euros, only 40,000 applications were accepted out of over 400,000 requests.
The Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci recently underlined that the bonus is part of a broader intervention for mental health, which includes the strengthening of local structures and services and the diffusion of mental health culture.
After the pandemic, the need not to underestimate the psychological distress, whatever its origin and severity. Psychological well-being is emerging from the shadow of the social stigma that for too long has kept the most vulnerable silent about the need for professional help for their mental health.
The psychologist bonus, the contribution to support the expenses relating to psychotherapy sessions, has been made structural by raising the maximum amount to 1,500 euros per person and regulating the disbursement based on theISEE of the applicant. INPS has recently defined the methods for applying for and providing the benefit.
The requirements
People suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and psychological fragility who are in a position to benefit from a benefit can access the service psychotherapeutic path.
Starting from 2023, the benefit is recognized only once for each year to individuals in possession of:
- residence in Italy;
- Valid ISEE value not exceeding 50,000 euros.
The question
The application can be submitted until May 31, 2024 (the time window opened last March 18) via the online service or Contact center, accessing the dedicated service through one of the following methods:
- web portal, using the specific online service that can be reached directly by the citizen on the Institute’s website, by accessing via level 2 or higher SPID or via Electronic Identity Card (CIE) 3.0 or National Service Card (CNS);
- Integrated Contact Center, by contacting the toll-free number 803.164 (free from a landline) or the number 06 164.164 (from a paid mobile network, based on the tariff applied by the various operators).
After 31 May 2024, the rankings for the assignment of the benefit will be drawn up, distinguished by Region and Autonomous Province of residence, taking into account the lowest ISEE value and, with the same ISEE value, the chronological order of submission of applications.
The completion of the activities for the definition of the rankings will be communicated with a subsequent message. From the date of publication of the rankings, the beneficiary will have 270 days to benefit from the contribution.
The three bands
The contribution can have a value not exceeding 1.
500 Euros per person and is modulated based on the ISEE of the applicant. Pursuant to article 3, paragraph 2, of the interministerial decree of 24 November 2023, in order to support people with lower ISEE, starting from the year 2023, the maximum overall amount of the benefit is set according to the following bands :
- with an ISEE value of less than 15,000 euros, the amount of the benefit, up to 50 euros for each session, is paid up to the maximum amount established at 1,500 euros for each beneficiary;
- with an ISEE value between 15,000 and 30,000 euros, the amount of the benefit, up to 50 euros for each session, is paid up to the maximum amount established at 1,000 euros for each beneficiary;
- with an ISEE value exceeding 30,000 and not exceeding 50,000 euros, the amount of the benefit, up to 50 euros for each session, is paid up to the maximum amount established at 500 euros for each beneficiary.
Tags: Psychologist bonus applications request based ISEE
