"Citizens' income" in Itali

Italy rolls out 'citizens' income' for the poor amid criticisms

Five Star Movement’s critics say basic income will not favour employment growth

The scheme has been lauded as ‘revolutionary’ by the M5S leader and labour minister, Luigi Di Maio.

Italy’s populist government has rolled out its “citizens’ income” for the poor scheme, amid criticism that the part of the initiative meant to help claimants find a job is not ready to be implemented.

Citizens’ income is the ambitious flagship policy of the Five Star Movement (M5S), which the party – in government with the far-right League – is counting on to alleviate poverty, boost consumer spending and spur economic growth.

Those eligible must prove their household income is less than the poverty line figure of €780 (£640) a month. The amount that can be claimed ranges from up to €780 for single people and €1,300 for a family with two children.

Claimants will start receiving the benefit via pre-paid debit cards from mid-April. But it comes with restrictions on how they can spend the money: initially, they will only be able to use the cards for food shopping or to buy medication. If there is money left on the card by the end of the month, it is debited rather than carried over to the next month.

Recipients must also enrol in job training, and will lose the benefit if they turn down more than three job offers. Di Maio advised potential beneficiaries that it was better to accept the first job they were offered, otherwise they risk being forced to take a job anywhere in Italy.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/06/italy-rolls-out-citizens-income-for-the-poor-amid-criticisms

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EffJay wrote:Claimants will start receiving the benefit via pre-paid debit cards from mid-April. But it comes with restrictions on how they can spend the money: initially, they will only be able to use the cards for food shopping or to buy medication. If there is money left on the card by the end of the month, it is debited rather than carried over to the next month.

Anyone sensible would make sure it was all spent each month, even if they bought dry or tinned goods for their larder to use up the allowance.