What Changes on April 1, 2025: New Measures and Reforms

April 1, 2025, brings a wave of changes affecting various aspects of daily life. From increases in social benefits and modifications to sick leave compensation to new unemployment insurance rules and an expanded zero-interest loan (PTZ) scheme, here’s an overview of the key developments.

Increase in Social Benefits

Several benefits paid by the Caisse d’allocations familiales (Caf) will increase by 1.7%. This includes the Active Solidarity Income (RSA), now set at €646.52 for a single person and €1,357.68 for a couple with two children. Other affected benefits include the Activity Bonus, Disability Allowance (AAH), Family Allowances, Specific Solidarity Allowance (ASS), and the Birth Grant.

Lower Sick Leave Compensation

Private sector employees on sick leave will see a reduction in their daily compensation. Previously calculated based on a maximum salary of 1.8 times the minimum wage (Smic), this cap will now be reduced to 1.4 Smic. As a result, the maximum daily benefit will decrease from €53.31 gross per day to €41.47 gross per day.

Unemployment Insurance Reform

Although new unemployment benefit rules were introduced on January 1, they officially take effect on April 1. Key changes include:

• The age at which unemployed seniors qualify for extended benefits rises from 53 to 55 years for 22.5 months of benefits, and from 55 to 57 years for 27 months.

• Unemployment benefits will now be calculated based on a 30-day month, regardless of the actual number of days, resulting in a loss of 5 to 6 days of benefits per year.

• A positive change for executives: the reduction of their benefits will now stop at age 55, instead of 57.

Zero-Interest Loan (PTZ) Extended to New Houses

From April 1, the PTZ scheme will be expanded nationwide and will once again include newly built houses. The loan will cover 10% to 30% of a mortgage for a new house, while remaining more generous for collective housing, with coverage ranging from 20% to 50%.

Possible Increase in Notary Fees

Local governments now have the option to increase real estate transfer taxes (often mistakenly called “notary fees”) by 0.5 percentage points. Some regions, such as Seine-Saint-Denis, Côte-d’Or, and Loire-Atlantique, have already confirmed this increase. However, first-time homebuyers will be exempt from this hike.

End of the Winter Tire Requirement

As spring arrives, the requirement to equip vehicles with winter tires or carry snow chains in mountainous regions is lifted. This regulation, in effect from November 1 to March 31, will be reinstated on November 1, 2025.

New Travel Authorization for the UK

Starting April 2, 2025, French travelers to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Similar to the US ESTA system, it will cost £10 (€12) but will increase to £16 (€19.20) on April 9. Valid for two years, the ETA will be mandatory for all travelers, including minors and infants, except for school trips, which are exempt.

These changes, affecting purchasing power, employment, and housing, mark significant adjustments that will take effect this April.