Are you affected by these changes in December 2024?

The French will have to face some cost increases this December. Increases which can impact a monthly budget, whether or not you have reorganized your debts using a loan buy-back if necessary. But let's also note some good news, such as the payment of the Christmas bonus…

The Christmas bonus

As in 2023, the prime of Noël returns to give the French a boost beneficiaries social minimumsnamely the beneficiaries of the active solidarity income (RSA), the specific solidarity allowance (ASS), the equivalent allowance (AER) and the fixed bonus for resumption of activity.

It will begin to be paid on December 17 by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF), by the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) or by France Travail. The amount of the premium varies depending on your household.

For ASS and AER beneficiaries, the amount amounts to €152.45 for a single person in mainland France and the overseas departments and the flat rate amount in Mayotte is €76.20.

Prices for consultations with doctors will change

Following the agreement concluded between private doctors and Health Insurance in June 2024, consultation prices will increase from December 22.

A visit to the GP will cost €30, compared to €26.50 currently. For children under 6 years old, the consultation will increase to €35, compared to €31.50 until now.

Rest assured, the coverage rates for health insurance and supplementary health insurance remain unchanged. Ameli will continue to cover 70% of the consultation amount and mutual insurance companies 30%. As for specialist doctors, the amount will also gradually increase.

New specialist rates in December 2024 and July 2025

Type of consultation

Old price

New price in December 2024

New price in July 2025

Pediatrician (child under 2 years old)

38,50 €

39 €

40 €

Pediatrician (children aged 2 to under 6)

33,50 €

35 €

Psychiatrist, neuropsychiatrist, neurologist,

51,70 €

57 €

57 €

Child psychiatry

51,70 €

57 €

75 €

Gynecologist

33,50 €

37 €

40 €

Geriatrician

31,50 €

37 €

42 €

Dermatologist (melanoma screening)

47,50 €

54 €

60 €

Increase in minimum wages in the Hotels, cafes, restaurants sector (HCR)

According to Tissot editions, specializing in labor law, the salaryThe timetable for step 1, level 1 will be €12 (compared to €11.72 in November) and €12.08 for echelon 2, level 1 (against €11.80) starting December 1st. In addition, employees will be able to benefit from days off for sick children.

Gas prices up in December

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), the increase in gas prices should be 2.5 % on average per kWh. The average price per kWh for a cooking/water contract will be €0.141 and that for a heating contract will be €0.112.

The end of help for connected thermostats

Implemented on December 1, 2023, the “Help for connected heating control room by room” system helps French people install a programmable thermostat to better manage their energy consumption.

Operations engaged by this device will take ends December 31, 2024. Please note, according to Public Service, since November 22, 2024, it is no longer possible to apply for a bonus.

As a reminder, a decree published in the Official Journal on June 8, 2023 indicates that from January 1, 2027, all housing (existing and new) must be equipped with an automatic heating temperature regulation system.

The last dates of the 2024 tax calendar

The tax administration leaves the French until December 4 to correct any errors in the 2023 income tax return.

To pay the housing tax and the tax on vacant housing, the deadline is December 16 for people not using an electronic means of payment and the 21st for those who pay online.