Child allowances for cross-border workers: INPS issues but payments continue

Di Valerie Linc ·

The Federal Council rejects Lorenzo Quadri's proposal to suspend payments to Italians working in Ticino.

Contesto

In brief - Issues in data exchange between Switzerland and Italy regarding family allowances. - The Federal Council rejects Lorenzo Quadri's proposal to suspend payments. - The European Commission has opened an infringement procedure against Italy. ## Key facts - What: Difficulties in exchanging information on family allowances between Switzerland and Italy. - When: Since March 1, 2022, with the introduction of the single allowance in Italy. - Where: Ticino, between Italian cross-border workers and Swiss compensation funds. - Who: Federal Council, Lorenzo Quadri (Lega-Udc/TI), INPS, European Commission. - Amount: Not specified, but the problem concerns the correct calculation of benefits. The Federal Council has rejected Lorenzo Quadri's proposal to suspend payments of family allowances to Italian cross-border workers in Ticino. The decision came in response to a motion by the Ticino national councillor, who complained about difficulties in data exchange with the Italian National Institute for Social Security (INPS), Lombardy section. Quadri had asked that the INPS correctly upload the information on the European digital platform to avoid double or excessive payments by Switzerland. The Federal Council explained that the unilateral suspension of payments would go against the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Furthermore, it emphasized that the Swiss compensation funds (CAF) are already directly requesting the necessary information from the interested parties to carry out the benefit calculations. This method has allowed the problem to be resolved in many cases. ### Legal issues and alternative procedures The difficulties in information exchange between the CAF and INPS stem from the fact that Rome does not consider the family benefit (single and universal a...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Analysis: Implications for Cross-Border Workers The problems in the exchange of information between Swiss compensation funds and INPS can have various implications for Italian cross-border workers residing in Ticino. Firstly, the lack of precise data can lead to double or excessive payments from the Swiss side, with consequent complications in managing family finances. ### Concrete Scenarios 1. Double Payments: If INPS does not provide the correct information, the CAFs might calculate the benefits without considering the allowances already received in Italy. This could lead to excessive payments that cross-border workers would then have to repay. 2. Payment Delays: The need to request information directly from the interested parties could cause delays in the payment of family allowances, creating temporary difficulties for families. 3. Increased Bureaucratic Costs: The alternative verification procedure, as suggested by Quadri, involves additional bureaucratic work and costs for the Canton, which could be indirectly transferred to the taxpayers. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the introduction of the single allowance in Italy, the exchange of information between CAFs and INPS was more fluid and based on standardized procedures. The introduction of the new benefit has created a normative void that has made the intervention of the European Commission necessary. ### What to Do if Involved Italian cross-border workers residing in Ticino who receive family allowances both in Italy and Switzerland should carefully monitor the communications from the CAFs. In case of doubts or discrepancies in payments, it is advisable to contact your own compensation fund directly for clarifications and assistance. ### Comparative Table | Current Situation | Pr...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions and next steps The Federal Council has clarified that, despite current difficulties, family allowances to Italian cross-border workers will not be suspended. However, it is important that cross-border workers are aware of the possible implications and take measures to manage the situation as best as possible. ### Step-by-step procedure 1. Monitor communications: Receive and keep all communications related to family allowances sent by the CAFs and INPS. 2. Verify calculations: Periodically check the calculations of the benefits to ensure there are no errors or duplicates. 3. Contact the Compensation Fund: In case of doubts or discrepancies, contact your Compensation Fund for assistance and clarifications. 4. Prepare for possible changes: Stay updated on the decisions of the CJEU and any possible changes to the information exchange procedures. ### Useful tools To best manage the situation, cross-border workers can use various tools available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. For example, the family allowances calculator can help estimate benefits and verify the correctness of payments. Additionally, the FAQ section on family allowances provides answers to the most common questions and practical advice. ### Next steps The decision of the CJEU is expected soon and could clarify the legal situation. If the CJEU qualifies the single allowance as a coordinable benefit, the INPS agencies would be obliged to transmit information on the collection of benefits through the electronic exchange of data. This would significantly improve the exchange of information and reduce the possibility of errors in the calculation of benefits. Pending the decision, cross-border workers must continue to monitor communications and verify the calculations of benefits. In case o...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if INPS does not provide the correct information?
If INPS does not provide the correct information, the Swiss compensation funds might calculate the benefits without considering the allowances already received in Italy. This could lead to double or excessive payments that cross-border workers would then have to repay.
How can I verify the calculations of the benefits?
You can verify the calculations of the benefits by periodically checking the communications received from the CAF and INPS. If you have any doubts, contact your compensation fund for assistance and clarification.
What should I do if I receive an excessive payment?
If you receive an excessive payment, immediately contact your compensation fund to report the error and get instructions on how to proceed with the repayment of the amount.

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