Unions / CAF / CAAF

Why unions/caf/caaf are important in Italy (and what they can do for you)

In Italy, unions do not only defend workers at the workplace: through Patronati and CAF, they play a public role recognized by law in social security/assistance and tax matters. Patronati are regulated by Law 152/2001, CAF by D.lgs. 241/1997 and by the implementing regulation (D.M. 164/1999). Italian Revenue Agency+3Official Gazette+3Normattiva+3

Many services are provided free of charge (especially those social protection services entrusted to patronages), others may involve a contribution—particularly in the tax field at CAF. Gazzetta Ufficiale

Patronages vs CAF (what's the difference, in short)

• Patronage: protects pension/assistance (INPS, disability, pensions, NASpI, etc.), advice and electronic submission on your behalf through dedicated channels. Services are usually free because they are funded by law. Gazzetta Ufficiale+1

• CAF (CAAF): tax assistance (ISEE/DSU, 730, IMU, tax bonuses, etc.). They may have fees; some procedures are free under agreements (e.g., ISEE at many CAFs). Normattiva+1

Typical procedures managed by unions (with Patronato/CAF)

• Pensions (old age/early retirement/reversibility), buybacks, reconnections. INPS

• Civil disability and accompaniment: INPS application, document upload, and assistance with appeals. INPS

• Unemployment NASpI: the application is submitted only online to INPS; you can do it yourself with SPID/CIE or delegate it to a patronate. INPS+2INPS+2

• ISEE/DSU: you can submit you the pre-filled DSU from the ISEE Portal INPS, or have it done via CAF (often free). INPS

• Citizenship: the application is submitted online directly on the portal of the Ministry of the Interior (ALI); patronates can assist you with the completion and upload. Interno+1

✅ Important correction
It's not true that 'in many cases you can't submit the application yourself': many procedures today are designed for direct submission by citizens (NASpI, ISEE, citizenship, etc.). Patronates/CAF remain authorized entities that can submit on your behalf and offer you formal protection/assistance. INPS+2INPS+2

Costs: when free and when not

• Patronates: social protection activities without costs for the user (funded by law). They can request contributions only for extra services not covered. Gazzetta Ufficiale

• CAF: have tariff structures for tax services; ISEE is often free under agreements. Always ask first. Agenzia delle Entrate

Why turn to a union

• Official telecommunication channels and pre-prepared delegations.

• Updated regulations, fewer formal errors.

• Structured interaction with INPS/Ministries.

• Support with checks, integrations, appeals. INPS

How to choose the office location

• Choose the office closest to your residence.

• Enrollment is not always mandatory; it can give priority and more services.

• Always ask what is free: what is free? what is paid? (especially at CAF).

Written channels and PEC: what to expect really

The PA have the obligation of PEC; patronates/CAF are private/associative entities affiliated: many publish PEC addresses (especially at national/provincial level), but there is no general rule requiring each local office to receive users via PEC as a PA. In case of problems, it is legitimate to write to the national/provincial office indicated on official websites or use the complaint forms. PecOrganizer

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⚠️ Personal experience: what to be careful about

Sometimes local offices handle everything by phone and do not provide PEC email addresses: this creates information asymmetry and little “traceability”. To protect yourself:

1. Check agreements and costs before starting.

2. Request a written channel (institutional email or PEC of the provincial/national structure).

3. If the local office does not respond or refuses due procedures, write to the superior structure (PEC) citing required regulations/services.

4. Note names, dates, contents of phone calls.

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Essential regulatory references

• Law 152/2001 – Patronage and Social Assistance Institutes. Gazzetta Ufficiale

• D.lgs. 241/1997 – Establishment of CAF and tax simplifications. Normattiva+1

• D.M. 164/1999 – Operational rules for CAF (establishment/list). Agenzia delle Entrate

• INPS – DSU/ISEE online (Single ISEE Portal). INPS

• INPS – NASpI (application only online; online service). INPS+1

• Ministry of the Interior – Citizenship (online application on the ALI portal)

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🤖 AI Box – Check if the service is free and find the right office

To help you avoid surprises, below you will find an interactive space where you can ask questions and receive automatic answers:

• Check if a certain practice is free or paid, according to national agreements.

• Search for unions and patronages active near your area, with official contacts.

• Find out about the regulations that require unions to have PEC and provide certain services for free.