Gas, Christmas bonus, doctor’s visits… Here’s what’s changing for your wallet from December 1st

The Christmas bonus paid from December 17

This allocation concerns some 2.2 million households. Contrary to what was initially announced by the Minister of Solidarity, Paul Christophe, to the editorial staff of Ouest France on Tuesday, November 19, the aid will ultimately be distributed by the family allowance funds (CAF) and the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) not on December 13 but on December 17.

Cost of doctor visits on the rise

From December 1, 2024, prices for private doctors are on the rise. They therefore go from €26.50 to €30 at a GP for adults and from €31.50 to €35 for children. Specialized doctors can reassess the price of their consultations, following an agreement valid for 5 years.

Codeine and tramadol prescribed by secure prescription

Also in the field of health, in order to regulate dependence on codeine and tramadol (powerful painkillers which can lead to the risk of addiction), the ANSM (National Medicines Safety Agency) has decreed that these two drugs will now only be prescribed for a maximum of 12 weeks and expressly on a secure prescription, a document that is more difficult to falsify than a traditional prescription.

Increase in gas prices

A hard blow for household wallets. Gas prices are expected to rise sharply in December. The fault, according to the CRE (Energy Regulatory Commission), is the increase in the cost of supply. For this last month of 2024, the revaluation should be on average 2.5%, and increase from €40.33 per megawatt hour (MWh), compared to €37.79 in November.

Hotel and catering industry: salary scales revalued

Concerning the cost of labor, salary scales in the hotel and catering industry are revalued on December 1st. The basic remuneration will thus be the conventional minimum of €12, and not the hourly minimum wage rate of €11.88. A decree dated November 5, 2024, was published to this effect in the Official Journal of November 9.

Last reminder for property and housing taxes

Finally, last reminder, if you are subject to property tax and housing tax, be vigilant at the end of 2024.

In fact, the deadline for paying your monthly property tax or your housing tax on second homes from January 2025 is December 15. Otherwise you will have until December 31, for a first withdrawal in February 2025.