Daily life. Gas price, social benefits, taxes … which changes from May 1st

The price of gas will drop

Good news for households heating with gas, after several months increase: from 1^is May, the Kilowatt Hours (KWH) reference rate dropped by 6.4 %, from 0.1241 euros to 0.1162 euros, according to the energy regulation commission, which publishes its “landmarks” prices for sale of natural gas. For a home with a standard consumption of around 11,500 kWh per year, this drop will save around 90 euros per year. The last drop in the price of gas dated from November 2024.

Social aid revalued by 1.7 %

Announced at 1^is April, the annual revaluation of social benefits comes into force in May. As of May 5, the beneficiaries will receive their revalued aid up to 1.7 %, in accordance with the evolution of inflation. For example, the amount of allocation to disabled adults (AAH) will increase to 1,033 euros per month against 1,016.05 euros before (+ 17.27 euros), active solidarity income (RSA) for a single person will drop from 635.71 euros to 646.52 euros (+10.81 euros) and the activity premium for a single person of 622.63 euros (+10.58 euros).

Gray card: end of free for electric vehicles

To encourage the French to acquire an electric car, the state had set up the free gray card (only administrative and shipping costs were billed, or € 13.76). This advantage will end from 1^is May and electric vehicles will be subject to the same regional taxes as thermal vehicles.

It will be necessary to wait for the energy check

The energy check, usually sent to beneficiary households in the spring, will arrive from November this year. This delay is linked to several political and administrative factors, including the late adoption of the 2025 Finance law. This aid, sent to around 5.5 million households to help them pay for their energy bills, oscillates between 48 and 277 euros according to income and the composition of the household.

Adjustment of employer contributions

From 1^is May, several changes affect employer contributions. The rate of contributions for companies with less than 50 employees will now be 0.3193 %, and 0.3233 % for those of 50 or more employees. The exceptional and temporary contribution (CET) of unemployment insurance employers will end, from May 1. The common rate of this contribution will increase to 4 % (compared to 4.05 % until then). In addition, the subscription for accidents at work and occupational diseases will increase to 0.50 %.