What changes from January 1, 2025: the new rules and measures to remember
January 1 marks the start of a new year and many changes that will impact the daily lives of the French.
Overview of the main reforms which will come into force this Wednesday:
Active Solidarity Income (RSA)
From January 1, RSA beneficiaries, who numbered 1.84 million people in September 2024, will be registered with France Travail (compared to 40% today) and will have to sign an employment contract, including objectives of professional and social integration. This contract may include between 15 and 20 hours of weekly activities, such as interviews, training, internships or company immersions.
Revaluation of retirement pensions
Retirement pensions will be increased by 2.2% from January 1, 2025. Furthermore, the shift in the legal retirement age by two years for certain special plans, such as those for RATP employees or of the Banque de France, will also take effect.
Meningococcal vaccination
Due to the increase in bacterial infections, vaccination against meningococci is becoming more widespread. From now on, vaccination against all strains (A, B, C, W, Y) will be compulsory for infants, and a booster will be recommended between 11 and 14 years of age, although the latter is not compulsory.
Unemployment insurance
The new unemployment compensation agreement comes into force, but the main measures, including raising the age thresholds for longer compensation for older unemployed workers, will only be applied from April 1, 2025.
Drop in the PEL rate
The interest rate on Housing Savings Plans (PEL) will fall from 1% to 1.75% from January 1, marking the first reduction since 2016.
Two-wheel traffic
Motorcycles and scooters will no longer be able to circulate between cars (inter-line circulation), a measure in force after an extended trial in several departments, deemed too risky for users.
Increase in the price of gas and cigarettes
The price of natural gas is increasing, with an increase for cooking and heating uses. At the same time, the price of a pack of cigarettes is experiencing a further increase, reaching 1 euro per pack of 20 cigarettes.
Increase in postal rates
La Poste postage rates are increasing by 6.8% on average, with notable increases for the green letter and the registered letter.
Tickets-restaurant
From January 1, it will no longer be possible to pay for all food products in the supermarket with meal vouchers. Only certain products remain eligible for this payment method.
Children’s health record
The children’s health record is evolving, now including prevention advice on the use of screens and more detailed monitoring of health examinations for young children.
Fight against thermal strainers
Housing classified G on the energy performance diagnosis (DPE), considered to be the most energy-intensive, can no longer be rented from January 1, 2025.
Help for caregivers
The daily caregiver allowance (AJPA) will see its duration of compensation extended for caregivers who assist several people over the course of their lives, with a ceiling of 264 days.
Reduction of plastics
Establishments welcoming children (schools, nurseries, etc.) will no longer be able to use plastics for cooking, reheating or serving meals.
Clearing obligation
Owners of real estate located near forest areas at risk will have to inform their tenants or buyers of the obligation to clear their land.
Revaluation of APL
The calculation parameters for Personalized Housing Aid (APL) will be revalued on January 1, 2025, taking into account the new resources of beneficiaries.
These measures, among others, mark an important turning point for many citizens, bringing reforms in various areas, ranging from health to retirement, including the environment and the economy.
