The (electric) bonus for physical hardship is a facilitation aimed at reducing the expenses incurred for the supply of electricity to households where a member (the supply holder or cohabitant) experiences physical discomfort. This condition requires the use of electromedical devices necessary for life maintenance, resulting in a high consumption of electricity.

The life-saving electromedical equipment that entitles you to the light bonus for physical discomfort have been identified by the Decree of the Italian Ministry of Health of 13 January 2011. 

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

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

How to get the bonus for physical hardship: the requirements

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

Therefore, there is no need to submit any medical certification to Enel Energia attesting to the necessity of using life-saving equipment. This documentation must be attached to the specific Form B, which should be submitted to the Municipality or authorized CAF (Tax Assistance Centers).

Visit the page dedicated to social bonus on the ARERA website for more information.

News: One-off for 2022

The Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks, and the Environment (Arera) has mandated, through resolution no. 153/23, the provision of a one-time contribution, per connection point, amounting to 190.00 euros, to customers eligible for a physical hardship bonus as of December 31, 2022, with power levels equal to or greater than 3.5 kW and consumption in the medium (between 600 and 1,200 kWh/year) and maximum (over 1,200 kWh/year) ranges.