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Power bonus for physical hardship

Power bonus for physical hardship

The (electrical) bonus for physical discomfort is a benefit aimed at reducing the expense incurred for the supply of electricity to families in which there is a member (owner of the supply or cohabitant) who is in conditions of physical discomfort, for who are forced to use electro-medical equipment necessary to keep them alive, which involves a high consumption of electricity.

The amount of the social bonus for physical discomfort is applied directly to the electricity bill.

The social bonus for physical discomfort does not have to be renewed, but is paid until the use of electro-medical equipment ceases.

The social bonus is paid both to customers who have signed up to an offer on the free market and to those served under greater protection and is automatically recognized even in the event of a supplier change.

How to get the bonus for physical hardship: the requirements

All domestic customers suffering from a serious illness or domestic customers with an electricity supply in which a person suffering from a serious illness lives, requiring the use of electro-medical equipment to maintain life, can obtain the bonus.

The list of life-saving electro-medical equipment which gives the right to the social bonus for physical discomfort is identified by the Decree of the Ministry of Health of 13 January 2011.

The social bonus for physical hardship can be combined with that for economic hardship if the respective eligibility requirements are met.

How to obtain the bonus for physical discomfort: the documents

To access the bonus for physical discomfort, it is necessary to submit a request to the Municipality of residence by the owner of the electricity supply (even if different from the patient) or to the bodies designated by the Municipality, such as the authorized CAF , Mountain communities. The benefit is not linked to the ISEE and its amount depends on the annual consumption of the life-saving machinery used.

To forward the request the customer must present:

  • the B form signed;
  • the identity document and tax code of the applicant and of the patient if different from the applicant;
  • attach an ASL certificate which certifies:
    • the situation of a serious health condition; 
    • the need to use electro-medical equipment for life support; 
    • the type of equipment used and the hours of daily use; 
    • the address where the equipment is installed.

To request the bonus for physical discomfort, it is not possible to use other forms of certification of disabling situations, such as civil disability certificates.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to present to Enel Energia any medical certification certifying the need to use life-saving machinery, in fact the same must be attached to the appropriate form B to be presented to the Municipality or to the authorized CAFs.

Visit the page dedicated to Social Bonus on the ARERA website for have more information. 

FAQ

How much is the power bonus for physical discomfort worth? Is the value of the social bonus for physical discomfort the same for everyone?

The value of the bonus for physical discomfort is not the same for everyone, there are different levels that depend on the contractual power, the life-saving electro-medical equipment and the daily time of use. The assignment to one of the three levels is calculated by the IT system that manages the benefits on the basis of what is certified by the ASL. In the event that the ASL does not tick the boxes relating to used machinery and hours of use, the system assigns the minimum range.

To find out and estimate the level of bonus to which the patient is entitled, it is possible to carry out a simulation on the SGAte portal.

At the following link you can find the summary table of the amounts.

How is it verified that the power bonus for physical discomfort has been granted?

The progress of your request for an power bonus for physical hardship can be checked:

  • at the institution where the request was submitted (the Municipality of residence, the CAF, the Mountain Community, etc.), presenting the receipt issued upon delivery of the application;
  • by calling the toll-free number 800166654 providing the tax code or the identification number of the request;
  • by connecting to the www.bonusenergia.anci.it website by entering the reserved section "Check your file online" and entering your tax code and login credentials.


The credentials (User ID and password) are issued by the Municipality or the CAF where the request for the bonus was submitted.

Can the disbursement of the electric bonus for physical hardship be interrupted?

The disbursement of the electrical bonus for physical hardship may be interrupted following a control by the Municipality or the competent distributor that detects the lack or variation of one of the indispensable conditions to be entitled to the benefit (for example if the power supply has ceased due to the transfer of the customer or if the life-saving equipment is no longer used).

 

The supply can also be interrupted upon notification of the customer, in fact if he no longer uses the life-saving equipment, he is required to promptly inform his power seller, since the cessation of use of the equipment involves the termination of the bonus.
If the customer does not inform his seller of the cessation of use of the equipment and continues to receive the electricity bonus without being entitled to it, the refund of the sums unduly received may be requested.

Is it possible to request an adjustment of the bonus for physical hardship?

You can ask for an adjustment in case of installation of new appliances and in case you have to use those already present for a greater number of hours a day; it is necessary to submit the module B by ticking the item "equipment change".


It is always advisable, before applying for a variation, to check with the simulator because it may happen that, despite the increase in equipment or hours of use, the amount of the bonus does not change. In this situation, the amount of the bonus in progress will not change.


If a different level of social light bonus is awarded, the variation starts from the moment of submission of the application.

What happens if the power supplier changes?

In the event of a change of supplier or of the economic conditions of the contract, the bonus continues to be paid without interruption until the equipment is no longer used.

What happens if the contract holder changes?

If the contract initially registered in the name of a person other than the patient is made out to the patient (contractual transfer), the social bonus for physical discomfort is paid continuously. However, if the contract is registered in the name of another person who does not live where the customer lives in serious health conditions, the bonus ceases.

What should be done if the household benefiting from the electricity bonus for physical hardship moves to a new residence?

In the event of a change in location, the disbursement of the bonus for the new supply point begins from the date it is assigned to the applicant (as certified by the relevant distributor or the Integrated Information System – SII), and will in any case coincide with or follow the termination date of the benefit at the previous supply point.