Retirement: An Overview of Available Assistance
Financial Assistance from the Pension Insurance Program: Support for Retirees with Limited Income and Vulnerable Individuals
Pension funds provide monthly benefits to assist retirees with the lowest incomes. Among these, the ASPA (Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly), formerly known as the minimum old-age pension, supplements the pensions of those who did not make sufficient contributions during their working lives. The amount is €1,012.02 per month for a single person and €1,571.16 for a couple. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements regarding age, nationality, residency, and income.
People with disabilities who are too young to qualify for ASPA may apply for ASI (Supplemental Disability Allowance), which supplements their income to bring it up to a minimum amount.
The Pension Insurance program may also provide one-time financial assistance to retirees under the general pension system and self-employed individuals who are in a vulnerable situation. The amount of this assistance varies depending on the situation:
- Up to €840 in 2024 for a one-time event (theft, moving, rent arrears, etc.);
- €217 for an energy bill;
- €1,190 for a single person (€1,910 for a couple) in the event of damage resulting from a natural disaster.
The social welfare programs of the various Agirc-Arrco supplemental pension funds (Malakoff Humanis, AG2R, Pro BTP, etc.) also provide financial assistance to retirees, working people, and job seekers.
Support Programs for Working People and Retirees
Prevention is a key priority for pension funds, which promote active aging and “aging well at home.” The OSCAR program (Coordinated Services for Retirement Support) offers support and prevention services at home, a prevention package, and a coordination package. Prevention programs addressing various aspects of aging (falls, memory, etc.) complement these specific support services.
Since January 1, 2024, the MaPrimeAdapt' program has been offering advice and information on home safety. Agir-Arrco and its supplemental pension funds also provide a range of assistance programs for both current retirees and those nearing retirement: free health assessments by a doctor and a psychologist starting at age 50, financial assistance in times of hardship (widowhood, divorce, unemployment, illness…), support for caregivers (day care, respite care…), home modifications, and more.
To help people over the age of 75 continue living at home, various programs have been implemented: “Sortir Plus” (travel assistance of up to €300 for 2024), the “Bien chez moi” assessment (an evaluation by an occupational therapist of the home modifications needed), and temporary home care (10 hours of care covered for up to 6 weeks).
