What’s new for residents of France in May 2025
Benefits, electric vehicles, gas prices: see what changes in France this month
As is usually the case, a new month sees a number of economic and administrative changes in France
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CAF benefits rise from this month
People receiving benefits in France via the Caisse d’allocutions familiales or CAF will see them rise by 1.7% from May 5.
The change means that the 4.42 million households that receive the prime d’activité for instance, will receive €633.21, up from €622.63 (for a single person without children).
The rise also affects the RSA unemployment benefit, which increases from €635.71 to €646.52 and the allowance for disabled adults (AAH) from €1,016.05 to €1,033.32
Read more: Key practical dates for France in May 2025
Gas price benchmark drops at last
After months of increases, regulated gas prices (prix repère) published by the energy regulator CRE are falling in May:
Read more: Gas bills rise in France: compare energy providers
End of free carte grise for electric vehicles
From May 1, people buying electric and alternative-fuel vehicles will no longer benefit from a near-free carte grise registration document in France (outside of the Hauts-de-France region which has maintained an exemption to this fee).
Previously, those buying electric vehicles paid a fixed fee of €11 plus a €2.76 delivery charge.
From May, standard rates of around €49 will apply, as for petrol or diesel vehicles.
2025 energy aid voucher delayed to November
This year’s chèque énergie (energy vouchers) will not be sent until November 2025, the government has confirmed, in a change from the usual spring timetable.
Amounts will range from €48 to €277, depending on income and household size.
The vouchers can be used to pay for bills or energy renovations and are usually automatically sent to eligible households.
Distribution of the cheques will be staggered and run through to mid-December.
All 2025 energy cheques will be valid until March 31, 2027.
