Italy has two main ways to stop working and get a public pension. One is the old-age pension. The other is the early (anticipata) pension. Rules depend on age and years of contributions.
Italy has given particular attention to women’s retirement because of how they pay contributions.
In fact:
- they often work part-time;
- they frequently have to change jobs or accept illegal work to find time to look after their children;
- finally, it is important that politics starts to consider that women do a lot of unpaid work in taking care of household chores.
These are the reasons why we need a particular focus on women’s retirement.
Contents
Old-age pension (standard route)
In 2026 most people will qualify for the old-age pension when they reach 67 years and have at least 20 years of contributions. This is the basic rule used by INPS, the national pension agency. The government plans to adjust the age later (from 2027) to reflect changes in life expectancy. For 2026, however, the benchmark stays at 67.
Therefore, if a woman turns 67 in 2026 and has 20 years of contributions, she can apply for the normal old-age pension. The pension amount depends on how much she paid in and on whether her career is calculated with older salary-based rules or with the modern contribution-based system.
Early pension (how women can leave before 67)
Next, many women aim for pensione anticipata (early pension). This route does not require a minimum age. Instead, it requires a long career of contributions. In 2026 the usual contribution thresholds are:
- 41 years and 10 months of contributions for women;
- 42 years and 10 months of contributions for men.
So, a woman who has paid contributions for 41 years and 10 months by 2026 can claim early pension even if she is younger than 67. Note that some special rules (for example for people who started work very young, or for those in heavy jobs) can lower the requirement. Also, the law applies small “windows” or waiting periods before payment in some cases.
Other early routes and exceptions
Moreover, the state keeps targeted measures. For example, Ape Sociale helps people in hard jobs or with strong social needs. It allows exits around age 63 (with conditions). Also, special rules exist for caregivers, people with disabilities, or those who started work very early. These stay active in 2026 but are narrower than general early pension rules.
How the pension is calculated (brief)
Simply put, the pension equals the sum of your contributions converted into a yearly amount. If you retire early, your pension may be lower. This is because early exits often trigger a calculation based only on contributions, the so-called contributive method, and sometimes a permanent reduction. Thus, leaving early can reduce monthly income.
Opzione Donna and the recent amendment
Opzione Donna lets some women retire earlier if they accept a pension calculated only on contributions. This usually lowers the amount.
Parties proposed an amendment to the 2026 budget to extend Opzione Donna. However, that amendment was declared not admissible on November 26, because it lacked financial coverage.
This emendment would have given the possibility to retire early to these categories of women:
- 61-year-old;
- 60-year-old mothers with one child;
- 59-year-old mothers with two or more children;
- 59-year-old permanent caregivers with a family member with severe disability;
- 59-year-old women with disabilities (up to 74%).
But that is not all. Women could get a pension before the standard time only if they were fired or if they still worked for a company in crisis.
What women should check now
First, check your INPS statement for your exact contribution years. Next, ask your local pension office about special measures for people employed in heavy jobs and for who starts precociously. Finally, remember that rules can change in 2027 and later, so confirm the exact numbers before planning your retirement.
