In this study the Author reconstructs the constitutional foundations of the right to an ex-istence, identifing in the guaranteed minimum income as a measure - complying with the constitution and constitutionally necessary, as well as strongly recommended by the Euro-pean Union - to guarantee a dignified existence in case of A lack of income from work. The study focuses in particular on where at present we are in Italy in the construction of a single and universal measure to combat poverty, with the analysis of Reddito di inclusione, launched by the Gentiloni government and active in Italy from 1 January 2018, and of the proposal for Reddito di cittadinanza put forward by the Movimento 5 Stelle; this is also a measure of guaranteed minimum income - not of basic income - reinforced compared to the Reddito di inclusione, but not dissimilar in inspiration and planning.