Italy to Send Out 1.18 Million "Dedicata a te" Food Cards in October

Italy's social security agency INPS is preparing to distribute 1,177,597 new "Dedicata a te" cards, a support measure aimed at helping families cover food expenses. The initiative forms part of a wider social spending programme for 2026.

According to reports, INPS will publish the lists of beneficiaries, those approved to receive the card, starting on September 24. This will allow eligible households to confirm whether they have been included before the funds are released.

The card provides up to 500 euros, which will be delivered through a single accredito, a lump-sum credit paid directly onto the card rather than in instalments. The first payment is scheduled for October 1, when recipients will be able to begin using the funds.

Some coverage of the scheme suggests that, in certain cases, the total value available to a household could reach as much as 1,000 euros, although this appears to depend on individual family circumstances and remains subject to official eligibility criteria — the specific conditions a household must meet to qualify.

The "Dedicata a te" card is not a new concept; similar versions have been issued in previous years as part of efforts to support low-income households facing rising food costs. Local municipalities are typically involved in helping distribute information and, in some cases, the physical cards themselves.

While the summary confirms the number of cards, the payment amount, and the key dates, further operational details, such as the full list of qualifying criteria or how households can appeal if excluded, have not yet been made public.

Authorities are expected to release further guidance in the days leading up to the October payment, and families who believe they may be eligible have been encouraged to monitor official INPS communications closely.