A revaluation of pensions far from compensating for inflation
At the start of each year, basic retirement pensions are revalued to take inflation into account. This practice aims to preserve the purchasing power of retirees in the face of rising prices. But in 2025, the situation leaves something to be desired.
A good increase below expectations
The government has recorded a revaluation of 0.9% of basic pensions as of January 1, 2025. This rate is well below inflation, estimated at 1,8 % for the same period. Clearly, this increase will not be enough to cover the increase in the cost of living.
Let's take a concrete example:
- A retiree receiving a pension of €1,500 will see his amount increase by only €13.50 per monthor €162 over the year. Meanwhile, its living expenses will continue to rise, particularly for food, energy and healthcare costs.
A measure incomplete
For retirees receiving pensions below the minimum wage, a second revaluation is planned for July 2025. If this measure aims to support the most modest incomes, it will not concern the majority of retirees, leaving a large proportion of them without a solution in the face of the erosion of their purchasing power.
To compensate for these losses, consider reevaluate your monthly budget. Focus on essential expenses and explore available support, such as social tariffs for energy.
Low emission zones: a headache for motorized retirees
The year 2025 will also mark a turning point for motorists, particularly retirees with old vehicles. From January 1, vehicles classified Crit’Air 3 will be prohibited in Low Emission Zones (ZFE), particularly in Paris and its inner suburbs.
What impacts for seniors?
Many retirees live on the outskirts of large cities and use their car to go to see relatives, go to the doctor or do their shopping. With this new regulation, they will either have to change vehicles or give up certain trips. However, purchasing a new vehicle, even a second-hand one, often represents a prohibitive cost for modest pensions.
If you're concerned, find out about support for purchasing clean vehicles, such as the conversion bonus, or explore public transport alternatives.
The Experience Valuation Contract: a limited opportunity
For seniors who are still active, the Experience Valorization Contract (CVE), formerly called senior permanent contract, could represent an opportunity. Aimed at unemployed people aged 60 and over, this system aims to encourage their hiring by promoting their experience.
A device that pose question
While this contract offers a short-term solution for seniors looking for work, it also provides for a automatic break when the employee reaches full retirement age. This framework limits long-term prospects and does not resolve the problem of precariousness for the most vulnerable seniors.
If you are concerned, take advantage of this contract to save or complete your retirement rightsin order to ensure better financial stability in the future.
Supplementary pensions: insufficient increases
As for supplementary pensions, the news is not much more encouraging. Agirc-Arrco pensions have been revalued by 1,6 % in November 2024. Although this increase is slightly higher than that of basic pensions, it remains out of step with real inflation.
Why this difference persists
Supplementary pensions are financed by contributions from working people, and their management is based on a delicate balance between the rights of current retirees and reserves for future generations. This context limits the room for maneuver for more significant increases.
How retirees can adapt to these challenges?
Faced with these changes, it is essential for retirees to anticipate and organize. Here are some ways to ease financial constraints in 2025:
- Review your budget : Identify expense items where savings can be made, such as subscriptions or energy.
- Take advantage of available assistance : Explore schemes such as housing assistance or reductions on public transport.
- Supplement your income : If you are eligible, consider a phased retirement or one-off missions to increase your resources.
- Adopt thrifty habits : Favor short circuits for food, or opt for solutions such as carpooling to reduce your transport costs.
A year of transition, but also opportunities
If 2025 promises to be difficult for many retirees, in particular because of an insufficient increase in pensions, it could also be an opportunity to rethink the management of one's finances and explore new solutions. These changes, although restrictive, underline the importance of adaptability in the face of a constantly changing economic context. Retirees have everything to gain from being informed and anticipating to better get through this period.
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