Pensions

Old Age Pension

In order to have the right to an Italian pension, (independent pension), you must have paid contributions in Italy for the necessary periods and you must meet the age requirement.

Those that have not reached the required amount of contributions necessary for independent pension with at least 52 percent weekly contribution and the required age, must request a pension in "pro-rata", according to the agreement between Italy and the United States.

Reversibility Pension

Other than the pension for old age, a widow or widower of a pensioner can request reversibility pension, which requires presentation of the death certificate of the deceased spouse as well as the marriage certificate.

For information and assistance in requesting a pension, the interested parties can contact the "Patronati" of Chicago at the following addresses:

The following documents must be presented:

• valid document of identification
• record of contributions to INPS
• enrollment paper issued by the Military district to which you belong (for males)

The Patronato may request the record of contributions to INPS and the Military enrollment paper directly from Italy on behalf of the interested parties.

It is advisable that you periodically contact the Patronato office to check the status of your request until its completion.

The INPS pension checks distributed in the United States are sent directly to the pensioner from Cariplo (10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, Tel. (212) 527-8792). While the pensions from the Provincial Offices of the Treasury (Direzioni Provinciali del Tesoro) pensions for war service, etc.) are paid in the USA by Banca INTESABCI S.p.A. - One William Street - New York, N.Y. 10004 Tel. 212 527-8713 o 607-3855; fax 212 607-3736 o 527-8729.

War Pension

The Consulate General directs all cases relative to war pensions and provides the survivors with the necessary information for the receipt of the pension (reversibility) - for installments that have matured or never been collected.

Disability Pension

Those who, through accidents in the workplace or illness due to work, retain the right to a pension for disability, must submit a request within two years of the date of termination of the employment: in any case, the insured must be able to present all required documentation and present at least five years of contributions, three of which must be within the last five years immediately prior to the request.

PERSONAL DECLARATION FOR LIFE CERTIFICATE

The Italian citizens who are unable to come to this Consular office in person, in accordance with current requirements, may, as an alternative, complete and sign the attached statement of substitute certificate which has the same legal validity as life certificates issued by consular authorities.

This substitute statement is only permitted for individuals possessing Italian citizenship. Consular approval is not required.

Once completed and signed, the said statement must be forwarded directly to the BANCA INTESABCI, One William Street - New York NY 10004, along with a photocopy of an Italian, valid identification document (passport -only the copy of the pages containing photograph and last renewal- , drivers license, ID card etc.)

LIFE CERTIFICATE FOR USA CITIZENS

An American citizen, in accordance with Italian law, is required to come to the offices of this Consulate General in person along with a photo ID in order to obtain the Life Certificate (certificato di esistenza in vita).

If, due to illness , infirmity or age disability, he/she is unable to come to our offices in person, He/she may choose one of the following options:

• submit a certificate from the doctor (with seal, date and signature) attesting to your medical status (that you are living) and that he/she has examined you;
• If cared for in retirement home or nursing home, submit a certificate from the Health department attesting that he/she is living;
• have signature notarized on the certificate of Life by a Police official in your City of residence;
• sign the certificate of Life before an Honorary Vice Consul of Italy or before a Consular Correspondent certified as an "American Notary Public" or a representative of Patronato.