What is changing in France in December 2020?
This month it will become much easier to change health insurers, gas prices are going up, and there are some important financial deadlines.
The last month of 2020 brings in some important changes for health insurance contracts, deadlines for tax payments, and Christmas benefits for those who are eligible. We explain.
It will be easier to switch health insurance providers
From December 1 it will be possible to cancel mutuelle health care contracts with immediate effect, as long as you have been on the contract for 12 months already.
Previously, contracts could only be changed either once a year, or two months before a contract was due to run out. Contracts can now be cancelled at no cost, and without having to provide a reason.
To cancel your mutuelle contract, send a letter to your insurer informing them of your decision. Your letter must include your name and contract details. Cancellations will be effective one month after the letter is received.
If you wish to cancel your contract because you have already found a new mutuelle, your new health insurance provider should cancel your old contract on your behalf.
Gas prices rising
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Gas prices are going up for the fifth month in a row. The Commission de regulation de l’énergie (CRE) said “This rise is 0.6% for people who use gas for cooking, 1.4% for people who use it for cooking and hot water, and 2.5% for people who use gas for heating.
While prices have gone up recently due to changes in the global gas market, the CRE said that since the beginning of 2019, prices had dropped 17.2%.
From December 1 regulated gas prices will also end for professional customers. Such customers who have not already organised a change in contracts will automatically switch to paying market prices.
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Last days to pay taxe d’habitation
The last day to make non-electronic taxe d’habitation payments on second homes, and some primary homes, is December 15.
Online payments can be made up until December 20.
Last days to change tax declarations
If you believe you have made an error in your 2020 tax declaration you have until December 15 to make changes on the official tax website: impots.gouv.fr.
Last days to claim tax credits
People who employ home help or donate to organisations may be eligible for advanced tax credits, which will be distributed in January. Current financial information can be modified until December 10 on the official tax website: impots.gouv.fr.
Financial aid over Christmas
Financial aid over Christmas ("la prime de Noël") will be transferred from the CAF and MAS between 11-14 December. Sums of between €152.45 for a single person and €442.10 for a couple with four children will be sent to people eligible for Allocation de solidarité spécifique and Allocation equivalent retraite.
Financial aid for students
Scholarship students will continue to receive financial aid, as announced in October. Recipients of APL housing benefits are eligible and will be notified of how much they will receive by their CAF provider.
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