The kickoff of the 2024 income tax declaration campaign is next week on April 11th, and there are several new developments in April that could affect households’ personal finances. On April 1st, many benefits, such as the RSA, prime d’activité, AAH, family allowances, and more, will be increased by 4.6% in line with inflation. Additionally, the temporary pension penalty at Agirc-Arrco for retirees who refused to delay retirement by at least a year has been removed as of April 1st, benefiting around 700,000 retirees with an average pension increase of 60 euros per month.
The end of the winter truce on March 31st means that evictions and energy disconnections can resume. Tenants and landlords facing rent arrears can seek help from the toll-free hotline SOS Loyers impayés. While electricity and gas disconnections are no longer prohibited, changes have been made to the rules regarding disconnections for non-payment. Beneficiaries of the chèque énergie and the housing solidarity fund with smart electricity meters cannot be disconnected directly, but a power reduction to 1 kVA must take place for at least 60 days before disconnection.
Some energy suppliers have opted to replace disconnections for non-payment with power limitations for customers equipped with smart meters or accessible meters for technicians. For example, EDF implemented power limitations in April 2022, and Octopus Energy France followed suit (formerly Plüm énergie). The changes in energy disconnection policies are aimed at providing assistance to customers in financial difficulty and preventing severe consequences of energy poverty, especially during the transition periods between truces and winter protection measures.
In addition to these financial changes, the 2024 tax declaration campaign brings about several updates for retirees, minimum wage workers, social housing beneficiaries, and family allowance recipients. It is important for households to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly to manage their finances effectively. The removal of the pension penalty at Agirc-Arrco is a significant relief for many retirees, while the end of the winter truce highlights the importance of seeking assistance in challenging financial situations to avoid drastic consequences.
Overall, the financial landscape in April 2024 is characterized by changes in benefits, retirement pensions, housing assistance, and energy disconnection policies. The 4.6% increase in various benefits provides some relief for households, while the removal of the pension penalty at Agirc-Arrco benefits around 700,000 retirees. The end of the winter truce underscores the need for proactive financial planning and seeking assistance in times of financial hardship. These developments highlight the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing personal finances to navigate the changing economic landscape effectively.
