While the debate on universal income often returns to the political scene, it is currently the active solidarity income, the RSA, which allows the most precarious citizens to live, or rather to survive.

And the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic have made this financial support more essential than ever.

According to a study by DREES, the statistical institute of the Ministry of Solidarity, 2.1 million people received this allowance in October 2020, an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year.

But under what conditions can we claim it?

Categorized applicants

Successor of the RMI (minimum integration income) since 2009, the RSA is intended for working people, young parents and single parents with little or no resources.

Each category therefore meets specific eligibility conditions, which is why more and more parliamentarians are calling for a simplification and expansion of the system through universal income.

Conventionally, any person aged 25 or over residing in France in a stable and effective manner and having limited resources can apply to receive this aid.

Pupils, students, interns and workers on parental leave, sabbatical, unpaid or on availability are excluded.

A young active RSA is also reserved for 18 to 25 years old who have already entered the workforce, since it is then necessary to have worked for at least 2 years full time.

As for parents, they can claim the allowance regardless of age, as long as they have at least one child born or to be born (RSA young parent) or if they are single, divorced, separated or widowed (RSA single parent).

At last,

Precariousness for all

Like a good number of financial aids, the RSA is not automatic. You must request it from the physical counter of the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) of your department or online at Caf.fr. The public body will then take into account your proof of resources over the last 3 months. In addition to wages and earned income, certain subsidies are also included in the calculation, such as unemployment benefit for return to work (ARE), daily allowances, family benefits or even investment income. Likewise, if you are already receiving housing allowances, whether you are provided with free accommodation or if you own your main residence, a lump sum depending on the number of people living in the household will be added to the declared resources.

In practice, your eligibility for RSA depends on the difference between the monthly average of your total income over the last quarter and the ceiling of the allowance.

Thus, since April 1, 2021, a single person can claim aid of 565.34 euros, against 848.01 euros for a couple and up to 1,187.21 euros if there are 2 dependent children.

The envelope then increases with the number of additional people.

If your resources exceed the amount corresponding to your situation, you will therefore not be able to receive the RSA.

In addition, once a beneficiary, you will have to prove your financial situation each quarter, so that CAF can update your rights.

The job search is essential

If the RSA aims to compensate for a lack of financial resources, it is in principle a temporary boost while the personal situation improves. Also, the legislation requires recipients of this allowance to look for a job, to create a business or to follow the integration actions that are offered to them when they have less than 500 euros in resources on average. Likewise, they cannot refuse more than two “reasonable” job offers, as defined in their personalized employment access project (PPAE) established with Pôle Emploi, at the risk of losing their right to this assistance. Moreover, the RSA can be combined with the activity bonus intended for modest workers.

In addition, beneficiaries who cannot immediately resume a professional activity must be accompanied by the social services of the department or an integration organization.

For more information, CAF offers an online simulator to assess your eligibility for RSA on Caf.fr.

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