The INPS has launched a new phase of checks aimed at verifying the existence of pensioners residing outside Italy. The aim, Líbero reveals, is to prevent fraud and identify those who continue to receive their pension unduly, even though they are no longer entitled to it. The second phase of checks, which concerns the years 2024-2025, mainly affects pensioners living in Europe, Africa and Oceania, with some exceptions. In fact, those residing in Scandinavian countries or Eastern Europe are excluded from this round of checks, as they were already subject to checks between March and July 2024. The procedure established by the INPS provides that, in the event of failure to present the certificate of existence by 19 February 2025, payment of the March pension will be suspended.
From February 2025 onwards, payments can only be made in person at Western Union branches in the country of residence, provided that the beneficiary has not yet submitted the necessary documentation. This verification operation is not limited to certain geographical areas, but may also cover pensioners residing in other parts of the world, regardless of their place of residence, if deemed necessary by the social security institution. To certify their existence, pensioners must send a signed form to Citibank, based in the United Kingdom, accompanied by the signature of an authorized witness. The subjects eligible for this role include representatives of Italian embassies, consulates or authorized local authorities, but also patrons who have credentials to access the portal created by the bank.
Not all pensioners, however, are required to follow this procedure. Those who reside in countries with which the INPS has agreements for the exchange of electronic data relating to deaths are excluded. With this new wave of controls, the INPS aims to reduce the risk of pensions being granted after the death of beneficiaries and to combat those who try to circumvent the Italian social security system, putting an end to possible irregularities in the collection of pensions abroad.
Source: IL Tempo
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
