Published on Sep 30, 2023 at 9:01 a.m.
The month of October is synonymous, like every year, with the revaluation of housing assistance. Renovation aid will also be increased this year. Bad news, however, regarding the reimbursement of dental care: an update on what is changing.
· Revaluation of housing assistance
Like every year, the Personalized Housing Allowance (APL) is increased in October. This year, APL beneficiaries will see their aid increase by 3.5%.
The calculation is carried out this year according to the rent reference index (IRL) for the second quarter of 2023. The objective, for the government, is to restore purchasing power to the French. The Family Housing Allowance (ALF) and the Social Housing Allowance (ALS) will also be increased by 3.5%.
The solidarity rent reduction aid (RLS), which is reserved for beneficiaries of APLs forming part of the social housing stock, will also be increased. The amounts will vary between €45.08 and €54.51 for a person, €54.51 to €66.05 for a couple and €60.8 to €74.43 for a household with one dependent.
· Revaluation of the work ceilings financed by Ma Prime Rénov
In January 2023, the ceiling for work financed by this aid was increased from 30,000 to 35,000 euros excluding taxes. The State goes further.
From October 1, the financing rate will be increased to 65% of the cost of the work (compared to 50% previously) for very low-income households; and 50% for low-income households (compared to 35% previously). The maximum amounts are respectively set at 22,750 euros and 17,500 euros.
· Deconjugalization of the disabled adult allowance
This was a long-standing complaint from the associations: from 1er October, the deconjugalization of the disabled adult allowance (AAH) will come into force.
Clearly, only the resources of the beneficiary will be taken into account. Previously, the calculation of the AAH was based on the couple’s cumulative resources. This led to a risk of reduced income and financial dependence for couples receiving this allowance. 160,000 people should see their allowance increase by 300 euros on average.
· Increase in the benchmark price of gas
The regulated gas sales prices (TRVG) ended on June 30. To monitor price developments, the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has launched an indicator: the benchmark sales price of natural gas.
In October, the latter increases. The average kWh price will increase to €0.11617 including tax, compared to €0.10512 including tax in September, for a contract including cooking and hot water. For a heating contract, it will reach €0.09324 including tax (compared to €0.08218 including tax in September)
· Less salty baguettes
The baguette will be less salty from October 1st. Bakers will have to respect a ratio of 1.4 grams of salt per 100 grams for “traditional” bread. For wholemeal or cereal breads, the ratio will be 1.3 grams of salt per 100 grams.
The threshold had already been reduced to 1.5 grams per 100 grams of bread in July 2022. This new reduction results from an agreement concluded in March 2022. Overall, France has committed to the WHO to “reduce salt consumption by 30% by 2025”. The bakery sector aims to reduce salt in bread by 10% within four years.
· Dental care coverage
Getting treatment at the dentist is likely to cost more from the 1er october. Reimbursement of dental care will be covered at 65% or 55% of the conventional health insurance rate, compared to 70% currently.
Clearly, the remaining charge will increase from 30% to 35% or 45% for scaling, treatment of decay, devitalization or surgical care. People covered by complementary health insurance should initially not have to cover this additional cost.
· Increase in the LEP ceiling
The Popular Savings Booklet (LEP), intended for the most modest households, will see its ceiling increase. It will go to 1er October from 7,700 euros to 10,000.
With its interest rate of 6%, this investment is one of the most attractive on the market. It is, however, subject to a level of resources: it is accessible to savers whose reference tax income for 2021 or 2022 is less than 21,393 euros for one tax portion, and 32,818 euros for two tax portions.
· Reduction in State participation in financing the contribution to employment development
Since 1er July 2022, the recruitment of a person in an area identified as “zero long-term unemployed territory” opened the right to State coverage of 102% of the gross hourly amount of the minimum wage. The support increases to 95% of the gross hourly amount of the SMIC for the period between October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.