How to apply for income support

PEOPLE on low incomes - including non-French nationals and those who have not worked in France - can apply for the new income support benefit RSA (revenu de solidarité active).

The main condition is “stable” residence, defined as at least nine months out of 12.

RSA is for people over 25 or under 25 if they have a child or are expecting one. It will be extended to under-25s shortly.

The aim is to maintain a reasonable basic monthly income, though the levels vary according to several factors, including other benefits received and children.

RSA is aimed at people who are not working or those doing some work (including for themselves) but gaining only a small monthly income from it. As income from work increases, the RSA drops.

It is not intended for students nor for people aged over 65 (for whom the aspa benefit applies) but under certain conditions can be accumulated with a pension, especially if the pensioner also works. In a couple (married or pacsed) it is paid to one member and the whole household income is taken into account.

There is an online test (in French) to work out how much you may receive at this site.

You can also get information from your caisse d'allocations familiales (caf) or, if you work in agriculture, your mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) or from 39 39 (local call cost from landline).

RSA has replaced the benefits RMI (revenu minimum d'insertion) and API (allocation de parent isolé).
Note that Orange now offers a special mobile phone deal for people on RSA.