“€500 Bonus for 18-Year-Olds: How to Apply for the Youth Culture Card and Where to Spend It”

The 500 euro bonus for eighteen-year-olds in 2024: changes and news about the Youth Culture Card

Changes in Requirements and App Activation

In 2024, the traditional €500 cultural bonus for eighteen-year-olds, known as Bonus Culture 18, has been rebranded as the Youth Culture Card.
The application process has also been revamped: the previous “18 app” has been replaced by “culture cards,” where applicants can now request an additional €500 grant reserved for those who achieved top grades in the previous school year (Merit Card).

New Eligibility Criteria

The most significant change is that the bonus is no longer automatically granted to all eighteen-year-olds.
Instead, it is now reserved for individuals with an ISEE income threshold.
The specific income limit for the €500 bonus is outlined in decree no.
225 of 2023, issued by the Minister of Culture and published in the Official Gazette on January 16th.

How to Apply and Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Youth Culture Card, applicants must be Italian residents or hold a valid residence permit if foreigners.
Eligibility is limited to individuals who turned eighteen in the previous year, meaning those born in 2005 are eligible in 2024.
Additionally, the card is now income-dependent, only available to those from families with an ISEE not exceeding €35,000.
Applicants must have obtained the new ISEE for 2024 when applying.

Purchases Allowed and Restrictions

The €500 grant can be used for specific purchases, including tickets for various cultural events, books, subscriptions, and educational courses.
Prohibited items include video games, non-cultural online courses, and streaming platform subscriptions such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Where to Redeem Vouchers and How to Use Them

Recipients can spend their €500 (or €1,000 for both bonuses) at participating physical or online stores.
The platform provides a list of authorized merchants for easy reference.
Each individual voucher is nominative and can only be used by the cardholder, requiring identity verification by the vendor before each transaction.

Expiration and Spending Deadline

Recipients have until December 31st of the registration year to spend the full amount.
Any remaining balance after January 1st, 2025, will be forfeited.
Registration on the platform must be completed by June 30th of the following year.

Don’t miss out on this valuable support for young adults, offering the resources to enrich their cultural experiences and education.