San Marino is finalizing the resolution that will introduce discounts on nursery school fees, as provided for under the new Family Law.
Families will soon receive a communication directly from schools outlining the details of the measure. The news was announced by the San Marino Workers’ Union (Unione Sammarinese Lavoratori, USL), which commented on the implementation of Law No. 141 — approved just over a month ago — and on the growing economic difficulties affecting a wider share of the population.
The union stressed that the law has introduced new protections for parents, some of which are considered particularly progressive compared to other countries. These include the right to take time off work during a child’s illness without losing pay.
“Just over a month has passed since the approval of the Family Law, which deserves credit for strengthening parental protections with important measures that, in some respects, put our country ahead of others. Just think of the possibility of staying home during a child’s illness without having to give up one’s salary.
Many people contact us every day to find out how to actually access the measures provided for under Law No. 141,” reads the USL statement.
In addition to the nursery school fee discounts, a form is also being prepared to apply for the so-called “bonus for single pregnant women and single-parent households.” The measure provides for a monthly contribution of 50 euros, to be paid as a lump sum by the end of December via the Smac Card.
As for single-parent households, the benefit is intended for families with at least one minor child who has not yet started primary school.
“The law covers many different aspects, and both the form to request the single-mother bonus and the resolution on nursery fee discounts are currently being drafted. Families will therefore soon receive direct communication from the schools,” the union specified.
While USL acknowledges the value of these measures, it also pointed out that the amounts involved remain modest compared to the economic difficulties families are facing.
“We’re talking about small sums and small forms of help, but in a period marked by widespread uncertainty, any measure is clearly welcomed as a form of relief. That’s why it’s urgent to tackle the crisis with more decisive action in other areas too — measures that can drive growth and, in turn, improve people’s wellbeing.”
The union also drew attention to the rising cost of living, arguing that financial hardship no longer affects only traditionally vulnerable groups but increasingly touches people who earn a steady income from work.
“Today, even those who have a job struggle to make it to the end of the month with any peace of mind — just think of the rising utility bills, which threaten to climb even further. Measures like social tariffs are certainly welcome, but it’s important to recognize that it’s not only the poorest segments of the population who are being hit.”
Another point raised by USL concerns the possible expansion of those eligible for social tariffs. Compared to last year, the number of eligible households could increase thanks to the possibility of deducting rent payments and mortgage interest from income, up to a maximum of 4,000 euros.
However, this remains to be confirmed, the union noted: “It’s true that the pool of eligible beneficiaries could be larger than last year, partly due to the option of deducting rent paid and mortgage interest from income, up to 4,000 euros.
We’ll see, based on the actual data and figures, once the verification process has been completed.”
Finally, the San Marino Workers’ Union made its staff available to provide clarification on the new provisions of the Family Law and to assist interested citizens in filling out and submitting applications to access the benefits provided.
