INPS: Disability Reform to Impact 70,000 People Annually in Milan
Milan, February 18, 2026 – The new disability reform, which will be piloted in Milan, is projected to involve around 70,000 individuals annually in the city, according to Mauro Saviano, Director of Metropolitan Coordination for INPS (National Institute for Social Security) in Milan. Saviano made the announcement on the sidelines of a conference presenting the experimental phase of the reform in the Milanese territory.
Direct Correspondence Between Report and Individual
Saviano highlighted that the significant innovation of this reform is the establishment of a direct correspondence between the assessment report and the individual, enabling direct access to all entitled benefits. This streamlined process is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of support services for people with disabilities.
INPS to Manage Initial Assessments
Historically, INPS has managed civil invalidity, but with the new reform, the institute will also be responsible for the initial assessment requests. This change represents a substantial shift in the administrative process, with INPS taking a more comprehensive role from the outset.
Increased Operational Capacity
In 2025, approximately 133,280 reports from local health authorities (ASL) were processed in the Milan area. Under the new system, it is anticipated that around 37 commissions will be active daily, operating both morning and afternoon. Each commission will comprise at least three doctors, involving a total of approximately 120 professionals daily. Including family members and caregivers, the annual scope of individuals impacted by these commissions could reach between 140,000 and 150,000 people.
Digitalization as a Key Organizational Element
From an organizational perspective, digitalization and the institute’s information systems will play a crucial role. Nicola Querci, Director of the Metropolitan Branch of INPS in Milan, described the reform as an “epochal challenge” from an organizational standpoint, emphasizing the need for robust digital infrastructure to support the new processes.
Multi-Dimensional Assessment and “Life Project”
For individuals with disabilities, the primary change will be the transition from a purely medical-legal assessment to a multi-dimensional evaluation. This new approach aims to facilitate the creation of a genuine “life project” for each individual, fostering inclusion, autonomy, and full personal fulfillment, including social and occupational aspects.
Collaborative Effort in Milan
Lamberto Bertolè, Milan’s Welfare Councillor, noted that in the face of the reform’s complexity, the local community has collaborated closely, working together to prepare for a challenge that affects a broad spectrum of citizens. He mentioned that an estimated 77,000 people with disabilities reside in Milan, with over 32,000 certifications issued in the past year alone.
The reform signifies a major step towards a more integrated and supportive system for people with disabilities in Milan, with a strong emphasis on individual needs and comprehensive life planning.
Source: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/economia/2026/02/18/saviano-inps-riforma-disabilita-coinvolgera-a-milano-70mila-persone-lanno_f5570676-2234-4140-95e0-6c144669ce18.html
