To obtain the RSA (Active Solidarity Income), you must now complete at least 15 hours of training and integration activities each week. People suffering from a disability or health problem and single parents of children under 12 years of age who do not have a childcare solution are exempt.
Furthermore, all RSA applicants are now automatically registered with France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), which can deregister any applicant in the event of non-compliance with the employment contract. “As part of renewed support for RSA recipients, the State is planning an action plan which sets objectives for social and professional integration as well as support measures such as training, internships, etc. The duty of the beneficiary will be to strictly comply with the defined action plan,” indicates the Social Assistance website.
The price of gas on the rise
As of January 1, 2025, the price of a kWh of gas increases by 2.33% for consumers using gas for cooking and for domestic hot water: it goes from €0.14135 to €0.14648. The increase is 3.8% for consumers using gas for heating (from €0.112 to €0.118).
The price of the stamp too
Prices for mail and parcels are increasing by an average of 6.8%. The price of a green letter stamp increases from €1.29 to 1.39%, a 20 g registered letter from €5.36 to €5.74. Prices for Colissimo sent by individuals will increase on average by 5.2%.
No more restaurant vouchers in supermarkets
The temporary measure allowing people to buy food, whether or not they are immediately consumable, with restaurant vouchers was voted by Parliament in 2022 then extended until December 31, 2024. On November 20, the Assembly Nationale voted at first reading a bill allowing a further two-year extension, but this was suspended with censure against the Barnier government. From January 1, it will no longer be possible to purchase non-directly consumable products in supermarkets with restaurant vouchers. The ceiling will return, as in 2022, to €19 (€25 in 2024). A step backwards which could only be temporary, the Senate having to examine the question in January.
A new compulsory vaccination for infants
Vaccination against meningococci B and ACWY in infants becomes compulsory and required for entry into the community. The vaccine aims to fight bacteria in the throats and noses of many people that can be transmitted through the air or saliva. “Most often, meningococci do not cause any specific illnesses. But in certain cases, they can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or septicemia,” underlines the Ministry of Health.
Screen time on the health record
The use of screens involves risks, which will now be noted in the new health records. “There will be advice, follow-up measures. It is important to explain to parents, who are on the front line, how harmful too much time in front of screens is,” former Minister of Health Geneviève Darrieussecq declared on France Info.
Reimbursed consultations with a psychologist, without prescription
Twelve psychological support sessions per year, without the need for prior prescription from the attending physician, will be reimbursed by Health Insurance. Important condition: it will be necessary to make an appointment with a psychologist approved by the CPAM to benefit from the system.
Increase in the price of medical consultation
Since December 22, the price of a consultation with a general practitioner has increased to €30 (€26.50 previously).
The end of paper holiday vouchers for the train
It is no longer possible to pay for your train ticket with a paper holiday voucher. Only the digital version will be valid. To do this, you will need to convert your “Classic holiday vouchers into Connect holiday vouchers, by going to the site https://leguide.ancv.com, services (exchanges) section”, explains the SNCF. This conversion is possible from a minimum amount of €30. A payment fee of €10 is applied.
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