How to Check Your Unemployment Status on the INPS Website: A Complete Guide

Navigating the Italian bureaucracy can sometimes feel like a labyrinth, especially when it comes to understanding your social security benefits. If you’ve recently become unemployed and are receiving or applying for unemployment benefits in Italy, you’ll need to regularly check your status on the INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale) website. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step process to access and understand your unemployment information online, making the process less daunting and more transparent.

Understanding your unemployment status is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to verify that your application was processed correctly. Secondly, it enables you to keep track of the payments you receive, ensuring they match what you expect. Thirdly, it helps you understand your rights and obligations related to unemployment benefits. The INPS website offers a portal dedicated to this, which, while comprehensive, can be a bit tricky to navigate at first. So let’s break down the entire process.

Before You Begin: Essential Requirements

Before you can access your unemployment status online, ensure you have the following:

• SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale): SPID is the Italian digital identity system. You’ll need SPID credentials (username and password) to access many online services offered by the Italian public administration, including the INPS website. If you don’t have SPID, you’ll need to register for it before proceeding. The SPID can be obtained via several certified providers, such as Poste Italiane, InfoCert, Aruba and others. You’ll need an Italian ID document, your health card and an email address and phone number in order to apply. Each provider has different price and service levels.
• CIE (Carta d’Identità Elettronica) or CNS (Carta Nazionale dei Servizi): Alternatively, you can use your CIE with an enabled PIN, or your CNS. Both of these options are similar to SPID and require the use of a specific reader to be connected to your computer in order to access the website. Most people are using SPID nowadays so it will be the primary focus for this article.
• Internet Access: Obviously, you’ll need a device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) with a stable internet connection.
• A Browser: Use a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Ensure that your browser is up-to-date for optimal performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Unemployment Status on the INPS Website

Now that you have the necessary prerequisites, let’s walk through the process of checking your unemployment status on the INPS website:

Step 1: Access the INPS Website

1. Open your Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser.
2. Navigate to the INPS Website: Type www.inps.it into the address bar and press Enter.
3. Choose your Language (If Needed): The website will likely be in Italian. If you need to switch to another language, locate the language selector (usually at the top right or bottom of the page) and select your desired language (however, the available services will be displayed in Italian).

Step 2: Access the MyINPS Portal

1. Locate the Login Button: On the INPS homepage, look for a button or link that says “MyINPS” or “Accedi alla tua area personale” (Access your personal area). This button is usually prominently displayed.
2. Click on the Login Button: Click on the “MyINPS” button. This will redirect you to the login page.

Step 3: Login with SPID

1. Choose SPID as the Login Method: On the login page, you’ll see multiple login options. Select “Entra con SPID” (Login with SPID).
2. Select Your SPID Provider: A list of SPID providers (e.g., Poste Italiane, InfoCert) will appear. Choose the provider with whom you registered for your SPID credentials.
3. Enter Your SPID Credentials: You’ll be redirected to your SPID provider’s login page. Enter your SPID username and password.
4. Approve the Login via SPID app or SMS Code: Depending on your provider, you may need to approve the login using your smartphone app or a verification code sent via SMS. Follow the instructions provided by your SPID provider.
5. Confirmation: Once your identity is verified, you will be redirected back to the INPS website, logged into your personal area.

Step 4: Navigate to the Unemployment Benefits Section

1. Locate “Prestazioni e Servizi” or “Servizi”: In the MyINPS personal area, you will see many options. Locate a menu or list of services. Search for an option such as “Prestazioni e Servizi” (Benefits and Services) or “Servizi” (Services). Sometimes you also have a direct search bar on the homepage, where you can type in keywords like “Disoccupazione” or “NASPI”.
2. Click on “Prestazioni” or “Servizi”: Click on the “Prestazioni e Servizi” or “Servizi” menu item.
3. Find the Unemployment Section: In the expanded menu or list, search for an option related to unemployment benefits. You might see options such as “Disoccupazione”, “NASpI”, or “Indennità di disoccupazione”. NASpI is the most common form of unemployment benefit, so if you are trying to view its status, select this item.
4. Select Unemployment Services: Click on the specific unemployment service you are interested in.

Step 5: View Your Unemployment Status and Payments

1. Access Your Status: Once you’ve selected the correct unemployment service, you should see a summary of your situation. This may include:
• Application Status: Whether your application for unemployment benefits is pending, approved, or rejected.
• Payment History: A list of past payments made to you, with dates, amounts, and methods of payment (bank transfer, postal order, etc.).
• Remaining Entitlement: Information about the duration of your benefits and how much entitlement you have left.
• Any Pending Actions: Any requests for information or actions required from you.
• Communication Section: The website also has a communication section with messages from INPS. Always keep a close watch on these messages, because they can inform you of a payment, a request for information, or some change in your status.
2. Review the Details: Carefully review all the information provided. Pay particular attention to any notes or explanations provided by INPS.
3. Download Documents (If Necessary): There might be options to download documents related to your unemployment benefit, such as payment receipts, application confirmations, or other official communications. Download and save these for your records.

Understanding the Information

The INPS website can use some technical terminology, so let’s clarify what some of the key terms mean in the unemployment benefit context:

• NASpI (Nuova Assicurazione Sociale per l’Impiego): This is the primary unemployment benefit in Italy for employees who have lost their job involuntarily.
• Disoccupazione: The general term for unemployment benefits.
• Domanda: This refers to your application for unemployment benefits. Its status might be “In lavorazione” (in progress), “Accolta” (accepted), or “Respinta” (rejected).
• Pagamento: This means payment. You’ll see the amounts, dates, and payment methods for all benefits you’ve received.
• Residuo: This refers to the remaining duration of your unemployment benefit.
• ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente): This is an indicator of your family’s economic situation. It might be required to access certain benefits or services. You can view it also directly in your INPS portal, sometimes you need to provide it for the correct calculation of some unemployment benefits.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues while trying to access your unemployment status. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

• SPID Issues:
• Incorrect Credentials: Double-check your username and password. If you’ve forgotten them, use the recovery process provided by your SPID provider.
• SPID Provider Issues: If you have problems with your provider login, contact their customer support.
• Problems with App/SMS Verification: Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet or that your phone signal is ok.
• Website Issues:
• Slow Website: This might occur during peak hours. Try accessing the site later.
• Website Errors: Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser. If the error persists, contact INPS support.
• Missing Information: If you can’t find your unemployment information, double-check that you’re in the correct section of the website. If it is not there, contact INPS for assistance.
• Incorrect Information:
• If you believe that some data on your page is wrong, contact INPS through their contact page or go directly to one of their physical offices.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Here are a few tips to make your experience with the INPS website smoother:

• Keep Your Credentials Safe: Store your SPID credentials securely and never share them.
• Regularly Check Your Status: Make it a habit to check your unemployment status regularly for updates.
• Download Important Documents: Save any payment receipts and other documents related to your unemployment benefits.
• Contact INPS Support: If you encounter issues you can’t resolve, contact INPS’s customer support for assistance through their online portal or call their dedicated phone lines.
• Consult a Patronato: If you feel that the information is confusing, or you want to speak with someone, you can consult a patronato. These are offices with qualified personnel who can help you with all sorts of requests related to taxes, benefits, and social security. They are often supported by labor unions and are an excellent way to receive free or low cost qualified help.

Additional Considerations

• Changes in Legislation: The rules and procedures for unemployment benefits can change from time to time. It is advisable to stay informed about any changes in legislation.
• Other Potential Benefits: While checking your unemployment benefits status, explore if there are any other benefits that you might be eligible for based on your family’s income, job situation, and other parameters.

Conclusion

Checking your unemployment status on the INPS website doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to access the information you need and ensure that you’re receiving the benefits you’re entitled to. Remember to keep your SPID credentials safe, check your status regularly, and don’t hesitate to seek help from INPS support or a patronato if needed. This transparency will empower you to manage your unemployment period more effectively and focus on finding your next opportunity.