INPS letter explained in English
Social security institute. Pays pensions, unemployment benefit (NASpI), child benefit (Assegno unico) and other benefits. It also collects social security contributions.
Letters you may get
- Accoglimento — your benefit is approved
- Indebito — they paid you too much and want money back
- Richiesta di documentazione — they need papers from you
- Rigetto — your application was refused
What to do
- A patronato can help you with INPS forms and appeals for free.
- Most INPS online services need a digital login (SPID, CIE or CNS).
- Find the deadline. Look for “termine”, “entro il”, “scadenza”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“ricorso”, “opposizione”, “istanza di autotutela”, “reclamo”). See the template.
Words you may see
- SPID
- Digital identity. You use it to log in to public websites, like INPS or the Agenzia delle Entrate.
- NASpI
- Unemployment benefit, paid by INPS after you lose your job.
- INPS
- The national social security institute. It pays pensions and many benefits.
- Patronato
- Free help centre for pensions, benefits and work accidents. Many also help with residence permit forms.
Questions
What is the INPS?
Social security institute. Pays pensions, unemployment benefit (NASpI), child benefit (Assegno unico) and other benefits. It also collects social security contributions.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the INPS?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “termine”, “entro il”, “scadenza” — they mark the deadline. In Italy, deadlines usually run from the day the letter counts as delivered (notifica). For registered mail, that is the day you sign for it — or, if you don’t collect it, a set time after the post office leaves a notice. Our estimate adds 3 days to the date on the letter, so check the real date. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“ricorso”, “opposizione”, “istanza di autotutela”, “reclamo”).
Can I read a INPS letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Italian. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Italy
Agenzia delle Entrate · Agenzia delle entrate-Riscossione · Concessionario della riscossione · INAIL · Comune · Polizia Locale / Municipale · Questura (Ufficio Immigrazione) · Prefettura – Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione