Welfare/Assistance Office
Plain English
It's a welfare assistance office, often linked to a trade union, that helps individuals with INPS, pension, family allowance, immigration, and many other public-sector applications. Most services are free.
Why it matters
Patronati handle a huge share of the country\'s benefit and permit paperwork. For ricongiungimenti, residence permits, and NASpI, they\'re often the easiest place to start.
Real example
"For his permesso renewal in Cuneo, Tariku booked an appointment at a local patronato. They helped him fill in the kit postale, picked the right bollettino amount, and printed everything for him."
Common confusion
Free doesn\'t mean instant. Big patronati can have weeks of waiting list, especially during peak times like AUU season or NASpI rush periods.
Official source
INPS