Aid and benefits for people over 60 in France

In France, people aged 60 and over are called "Seniors". This status entitles them to benefits, social assistance and discount cards in various areas such as housing, financial resources, food delivery, transportation and leisure activities.

Social assistance for the elderly

If you are over the age of 60, you are eligible for social assistance to improve your daily life. To receive these benefits, you must go through a number of administrative procedures.

Individual independence allowance (Apa)

Apa is a form of assistance that covers all or part of the costs of keeping you in your home. It is paid by your department's services.

You must live at home, with relatives, in a foster home or in an independent living home to get the benefit.

To apply, go to the departmental council, the town hall or your local senior information center. After the application has been processed, an assessment of the degree of loss of independence is made. Depending on the degree of loss of independence, assistance may vary:

•  Payment for domestic help;
•  assistance with transportation or meals;
•  temporary accommodation in an institution or with a family.

Solidarity allowance for the elderly (Aspa)

Aspa is a benefit for low-income pensioners living in France. It is a monthly benefit paid by the pension fund and its amount depends partly on your marital status.

It also depends on other conditions:

•  Age: you must be at least 65 years old;
•  Income: your couple's income must not exceed €1,407.82 per month.

To qualify for the benefit, you must apply to your pension fund. You must fill in the application form and return it with the required documents.

Getting help with household chores

If you find it difficult to perform everyday duties, you can count on domestic help. Such a person will be paid a domestic help allowance. The allowance is based on age, i.e. at least 65 years of age, and income, i.e. a maximum of €906.81 per month if you are single and €1407.82 if you live in a couple.

Applications should be sent to your local council, CCAS.

If you do not meet these conditions but are a pensioner, contact your pension fund. In some cases, domestic help may be available.

Paid meals

From the age of 65, if your health condition no longer allows you to shop and prepare your own meals, you may be able to get financial help to pay for meal delivery.

To do this, you need to apply to your local CCAS. If you are not eligible for this help, you can contact your pension fund. They may offer a similar service.

Discount cards for seniors

In addition to social benefits, seniors can take advantage of discounts on leisure, health and travel.

The réduc-seniors card provides access to a wide range of discounts through many partners who can provide quality care and services. In exchange for a membership fee of €49 (including VAT) for a couple or single person, you can enjoy the following benefits:

•  Up to 52% discount on tickets to holiday parks and shows;
•  a reduction in vacation costs of between 5% and 40% by booking with one of the partners (ghettas, campsites and hotels);
•  indulge in thalassotherapy or discover independent restaurants and wineries;
•  cut health costs by taking advantage of special rates on health insurance, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

This card is for people age 55 and older.

Discounts when you show your ID card

You can also save a lot of money in everyday life when you show your ID card. For example, many movie theaters and theaters offer discounted rates for people over 60. If you want to visit museums and monuments that charge admission, this is also possible.

In addition, your identity document entitles you to special cards such as the Air France Senior Card, the SNCF Senior+ Senior Card or the City Transportation Senior Card.

So remember to show your ID card at all times. In many situations, you will be able to take advantage of financial benefits.

At age 60 and over, you can take advantage of a wide range of benefits and discounts to make life easier.