Why the frost pensions?
The freezing of retirement pensions is one of the measures envisaged by the government to reduce the public deficitwhich has reached a critical level. According to estimates, this postponement of the revaluation of pensions could save almost 4 billion euros over the year.
For the Social security and public finances, this decision appears necessary. But for retirees, it risks widening the gap between income and inflation a little further.
This measure concerns the automatic revaluation of basic pensions, normally applied on January 1 to compensate for the increase in the cost of living. By postponing this increase until July, the state expects to make substantial savings, but the consequences could be severe for many households, especially those who rely solely on their pension.
An exceptional check: a temporary solution?
To mitigate the impact of this freeze on small pensions, the government plans to issue a exceptional check. This measure, which is inspired by past initiatives, aims to temporarily compensate for the shortfall.
Who will be affected by this check?
According to preliminary information, the check could target retirees receiving pensions below 1,300 to 1,400 euros per month. This limit aims to help those who are most vulnerable to inflation and the increasing costs of energy and basic necessities. However, some MPs believe that this check will not be enough to compensate for the losses caused by the freeze.
A precedent in 2014
This is not the first time that such a device has been considered. In 2014, the government of François Hollande had implemented an exceptional bonus of 40 euros for retirees earning less than 1 200 euros per month, at a total cost of 200 million euros.
Although this measure was welcomed, many felt that the amount was symbolic and insufficient to compensate for the loss suffered.
What are the risks of such a measure?
Issuing an exceptional check could have positive effects in the short term, but it also presents important limits. Here's why:
- Temporary effect : The check helps reduce the immediate impact of the freeze, but it does not fully compensate for the lack of revaluation for the total duration of six months.
- Tensions sociales : If only low-income retirees benefit from this assistance, other retirees could consider this measure unfair and demand similar compensation.
- Budget cost : Although the measure is supposed to be financed by the savings made through the freeze, it remains an additional expense which could limit the effectiveness of the planned savings.
Impact of the pension freeze and the exceptional check
| Category of retirees | Monthly pension amount | Impact of frost (January-July 2025) | Potential amount of the exceptional check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modest retirees | €1,300 to €1,400 | Loss of revaluation for 6 months (~€100 to €150) | ~€100 to €150 |
| Average retirees | €1,400 to €2,000 | Loss of revaluation for 6 months (~€150 to €250) | No check planned |
| Wealthy retirees | > 2 000 € | Loss of revaluation for 6 months (~€250 to €400) | No check planned |
Differentiated revaluation: a complex alternative
The government is also studying the option of differentiated revaluationwhere only small pensions would be increased from January, while higher pensions would have to wait until July. This strategy, although seemingly fair, poses technical and administrative problems.
The experience of 2020during the Covid-19 crisis, showed that this type of measure can create disparities and payment delays.
A solution sufficient?
The exceptional check envisaged by the government could offer welcome support to the most modest retirees, but its impact remains limited. The question remains: will this temporary measure be enough to compensate for the shortfall and calm social tensions, or will it be a band-aid on a deeper wound?
The future of retirement pensions in France will depend on the decisions taken in the coming months, and on the government's ability to find a balance between budgetary rigor and social justice.
