everything you need to know about receiving end-of-year aid

The Christmas Bonus returns this year. Addressed to millions of French people, it is defined as a helping hand for recipients.

As its name suggests, the Christmas bonus is crucial help for the French at the end of the year. Here are the conditions to benefit from it.

The Christmas bonus, for whom, for what?

The Christmas bonus is an exceptional aid paid each year in France to support households with modest incomes during the end-of-year holidays. In 2024, its payment is confirmed by decree no. 2024-1140 of December 4, 2024.

People receiving the RSA in November or December 2024 in are also eligible. Just like those who claim the Specific Solidarity Allowance (ASS).

Although this allowance has no longer been granted since 2011, people who receive the AER are also affected. For RSA beneficiaries, the amount of the premium varies depending on family composition.

A single person without children will be entitled to €152.45, a single person with 1 child will be able to have €228.68. A single person with 2 children will be able to claim €274.41.

A couple without children will be entitled to €228.68, a couple with 1 child will be able to receive €274.41. A couple with 2 children will be entitled to €320.15 and €60.98 per additional child.

For beneficiaries of ASS or AER, the amount is fixed, i.e. €152.45, regardless of the number of dependent children. Moreover, the payment of the 2024 Christmas bonus is intended to be planned for Tuesday December 17, 2024.

An imminent payment

RSA beneficiaries will receive the bonus via their Family Allowance Fund (CAF) or the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA). While those receiving ASS or AER will be paid by France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi).

No specific action is required on the part of the beneficiaries, because the payment being automatic. However, it is essential that personal information (address, family situation, bank details) is up to date.

This must be checked with the organizations concerned to ensure the correct progress of payment. Moreover, a household can only receive one Christmas bonus.

And this, even in the event of accumulation of several social benefits. Also note that the amount of the Christmas bonus has remained unchanged for several years.

As you know, no no action is required. The bonus is automatically paid to eligible beneficiaries who have been notified by the organization in advance.

How does the Christmas bonus work?

Also note that the Christmas bonus cannot be combined with the Allowance to adults disabled (AAH). Nor even the Return to Employment Allowance (ARE).

An exception exists if you receive the RSA and the Activity Bonus in November or December 2024. And if your resources do not exceed the amount of the RSA corresponding to the composition of your household.

Besides, know that some companies also pay a Christmas bonus, often called 13 months. In principle, all employees who have worked at least two months in the company (44 days for casual workers).

Let them be in time full or partial. Its calculation varies according to companies and collective agreements, that is to say one month’s salary.

This also corresponds to a percentage of annual remuneration. Or a lump sum amount defined by usage or the employment contract.

If no rule is specified, the bonus will therefore be calculated on the remuneration received between July and June of the previous year. Excluding refunds professional expenses.

Also note that no form needs to be completed by the employee. In fact, the bonus is intended to be paid automatically by the employer and it can also be combined with the exceptional Christmas bonus or the Activity bonus, under certain conditions.