The 5-Star Movement's (M5S) proposal
to introduce a basic-income benefit, the so-called 'citizenship
wage', was a key part of the anti-establishment group's
electoral campaign.
Indeed, many people reportedly made enquiries about how to
apply for the benefit in southern Italy after the M5S emerged as
the top party following the March 4 general election, even
though the vote produced a hung parliament and a new government
has not yet been formed.
The benefit would be for single people resident in Italy and
over 18 and families in poverty.
The benefit would ensure singles have a monthly income of 780
euros.
If an applicant has no income, they would get the full
amount.
If they have earnings, but under 780 euros, the benefit would
take them up to the minium threshold - a person earning 400
euros a month, for example, would get an additional 380.
To get the benefit, applicants would be obliged to sign up to
a job centre and the benefit would be withdrawn if they reject
more than three job offers.
The basic income for a family would depend how many people
are in it.
For a family of four made up of two adults and two children,
for example, it would be 1,638 euros.
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