RSI error level 'unprecedented'

An 'unprecedented' number of mistakes are being made by the biggest social security provider for the self-employed – the RSI.

Ombudsman the Médiateur de la République says the number of complaints about the RSI in recent months is “worrying.”

Created in 2006 from several existing bodies, it was meant to simplify life for its four million members.

It is now the only social security body sales and tradespeople have contact with (for health, pension, family allowance etc), while “liberal professionals” use it for health.

The médiateur notes problems for 6% of RSI members, with increasing “maladministration” during 2010. They often occur at “key life moments,” like retirement or maternity, the ombudsman says. In most cases they have been resolved with its help but they are often “very harmful” and it will remain “very vigilant.”

An RSI spokesman admitted “technical problems” related to setting up the unified system had affected 6%, but it was “actively seeking remedies,” together with Urssaf, the social security contributions collection body with which it has close links. This includes a new telephone helpline which opens this month.