[PRIME DE NOËL 2022] Before the end-of-year holidays, the Christmas bonus helps more than two million people in precarious situations. But with the current inflation should we expect a revaluation of the amount of aid? Some unions are demanding a bonus of 500 euros. Details.
The Christmas bonus, or “exceptional end-of-year bonus”, is paid, just before the holidays, to the most modest French people. Even those who benefit from social minima, namely the RSA (active solidarity income), the ASS (specific income allowance) or the AER (retirement equivalent allowance). Depending on the situation, it is distributed by different organizations. Its amount has remained unchanged since 2008. At that time, to “compensate for the delay” on inflation, as announced by then President Nicolas Sarkozy, the Christmas bonus was increased to 200 euros. Is this on the table again today, in 2022, with inflation hitting a record high in October of 10.7%? The representatives of the CGT and the CFDT want it. According to the website thank you for the information, who recently interviewed them, the two unions are demanding that the Christmas bonus be increased and extended to other beneficiaries. In details, the CGT imagines a revaluation to 500 euros and that the payment of the aid affects “all persons deprived of employment”. On the side of the CFDT, it is estimated “that it would be logical for the Christmas bonus to be revalued taking into account the level of inflation”.
Will the Christmas bonus be increased this year?
To date, the government has not announced any increase in the Christmas bonus. As a reminder, in recent months, in the face of galloping inflation, the back-to-school allowance, the family support allowance and many other social benefits have benefited from an exceptional increase. The CGT union asks that the Christmas bonus also benefit from your consideration. He is calling for a significant increase in the Christmas bonus, up to 500 euros, knowing that the amount of aid is currently set at 152.45 euros for a person living alone without children. The CFDT is also of this opinion, considering that the aid should be revalued taking into account the level of inflation.
Who pays the Christmas bonus?
Different organizations pay the Christmas bonus. Depending on your professional and family situation, it will be distributed by Pôle Emploi, the Caisse des Allocations Familiales or the Caisse centrale de la Mutualité sociale agricole.
What is the amount of the Christmas bonus in 2022?
The amount of the Christmas bonus has remained unchanged in recent years. However, not all recipients will receive the same amount. An unemployed beneficiary, in particular at the end of his rights, will be entitled to the fixed amount of €152.45, paid by Pôle emploi. On the other hand, if you are eligible for the Christmas bonus paid by CAF, you can, depending on the composition of your family – and subject to receiving the RSA beforehand -, receive up to 442.10 euros.
| Family status (RSA) | If you live alone | If you live as a couple |
|---|---|---|
| Childless | €152.45 | €228.67 |
| 1 child | €228.67 | €274.41 |
| 2 children | €274.41 | €320.14 |
| 3 children | €335.39 | €381.12 |
| 4 children | €396.37 | €442.10 |
| Per additional child | €60.98 | €60.98 |
In Mayotte, the amount of the Christmas bonus is significantly lower. In this overseas department, the aid is set at 76.22 euros. For RSA beneficiaries in a 2-person household, the amount is 114.34 euros; for 3 people at 137.20 euros and for 4 people at 160.06 euros.
Who is entitled to the 2022 Christmas bonus? Terms
The Christmas bonus is granted to the most modest households who benefit from social minima, in particular RSA recipients or people who receive certain aid from Pôle Emploi. In both cases, the 2022 Christmas bonus is paid either by CAF or MSA, or by Pôle Emploi. Here is the detail :
Christmas bonus paid by Pôle Emploi
If your right to one of the allowances below is in progress for the month of November or December 2022, you will be able to receive the Christmas bonus which will be automatically paid to you by Pôle Emploi. Beneficiaries of social minima eligible for it are those who are entitled to:
- The specific solidarity allowance (ASS)
- The specific training solidarity allowance (ASS-F)
- Pension equivalent allowance (EAR)
- Public internship compensation (RPS)
- Remuneration for Pôle Emploi training (RFPE)
- Assistance in setting up and taking over a business (ACRE-ASS)
► The amount paid by Pôle Emploi remains fixed in 2022: 152.45 euros for mainland France and the overseas departments and 76.22 euros in Mayotte.
Christmas bonus paid by CAF or MSA for RSA beneficiaries
The Christmas bonus is paid by the CAF or the MSA to beneficiaries of the Active Solidarity Income (RSA) the amount of which varies according to the composition of the family and the number of children. To benefit from the Christmas bonus, your right to one of these allowances must be in progress for the month of November or December 2022. If you are a new beneficiary, the Christmas bonus will then be paid to you in January 2023.
For ASS or AER beneficiaries
For people who receive the lump sum premium for resumption of activity, the ASS or the AER, the amount of the premium is fixed, regardless of the number of members in your household. The amount of the Christmas bonus for these eligible people is also 152.45 euros.
When will the 2022 Christmas bonus be paid?
This year, the payment of the Christmas bonus begins on December 15, 2022. But in a specific case, the payment of aid will be postponed. If in December 2022, you receive the RSA for the first time, you will only receive the Christmas bonus in January 2023. Note also that the payment deadlines can take several days depending on your bank but also according to the treatment of the CAF. , Pôle Emploi or the MSA which grant the aid. Some people should expect to see it in their bank account between December 18 and 20.
Are the Christmas bonus and the activity bonus cumulative?
A single scenario allows the two bonuses to be combined. If in November or December 2022 you receive the activity bonus, you must respect this condition:
- Receiving the basic RSA (regardless of the amount) + the activity bonus without ever exceeding the amount of the basic RSA which corresponds to the composition of your family
What are the steps to benefit from the Christmas bonus?
To request or obtain the Christmas bonus, it’s simple, no steps are required. If you are eligible and you receive the RSA, the Christmas bonus is automatically paid by the CAF or the MSA depending on your situation. Do you receive the ASS, the AER or the flat-rate premium for resumption of activity? It will then be Pôle Emploi who will take care of the payment, usually within 15 days before Christmas. In all cases, the payment of the Christmas bonus is made automatically to the bank accounts of the persons concerned. A word of advice: if you are a beneficiary of the Rsa in November or December 2022, make sure that the information communicated to your CAF is up to date to avoid any error or delay in payment.