Getting older is good. Getting older without financial hardship is even better. Fortunately, there’s a whole range of support available to retirees, often overlooked, but which can make a real difference to your budget. From home help to the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA), including APL (Affordable Housing Allowance), here’s an overview of the main retirement benefits available in 2025.
1. Housekeeping for a lighter daily life
Are you having difficulty cleaning, preparing meals, or shopping? There are grants available to help fund home help.
You may be eligible if you are at least 65 years old (or 60 years old if you are unable to work) and have modest resources .
2. The Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA): a vital minimum
If your retirement pension is low, the ASPA can supplement your income to reach a minimum subsistence level. You must be at least 65 years old (or 62 in some cases) and have income below a ceiling set each year.
How do you benefit from it? You must apply to the Retirement and Occupational Health Insurance Fund (CARSAT) or the MSA (French Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Insurance) if you are a retired agricultural worker. For more information, here is the detailed information sheet.
3. The Simple Allowance an alternative for low incomes
If you are not eligible for the ASPA, the Simple Allowance is a benefit intended for elderly people with limited resources. You must be over 65 (or 60 if you are unable to work) and have limited resources.
4. Personalized Housing Assistance (APL) a helping hand with rent
Even in retirement, housing can be a huge expense. Housing assistance (APL) can help reduce the cost of your rent or monthly payment if you’re a homeowner.
You must therefore reside in France, have a modest income, and live in subsidized housing. How do you benefit? Apply on the CAF or MSA website. Here’s what you need to know about this financial assistance, which is also available upon retirement.
5. The Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA) for seniors who are losing their autonomy
If you have difficulty performing essential daily activities, the APA can finance part of the necessary services. You must be at least 60 years old and have lost your independence (assessed according to the GIR classification).
6. Supplementary Disability Allowance (ASI) for retired people with disabilities
The ASI (Assistance for Disabled People) is an aid intended for retired people with a disability who receive a low pension. Therefore, you must have become disabled before the legal retirement age and have modest resources.
How to benefit from it? Apply to CARSAT or MSA. To find out more, please read this detailed information sheet.
7. Meal delivery to eat well without cooking
If you have trouble preparing your daily meals, some communities offer a home meal delivery service. It all depends on your health and where you live. To find out if you’re eligible, contact your town hall, the CCAS (Community Action Centre for Social Services), or your departmental council. You can also read this detailed fact sheet
8. Complementary Health Solidarity (CSS) to reduce medical costs
Healthcare expenses can weigh heavily on a retiree’s budget. The CSS (Health Insurance Scheme) allows you to have free or low-cost health insurance. To qualify, you must have income below a certain ceiling. How to benefit? Apply on the Health Insurance website. We recommend reading this information to learn more .
9. Pension fund assistance, tailor-made support
Pension funds also offer one-off financial assistance for retirees in difficulty. Conditions vary depending on the fund (CNAV, MSA, AGIRC-ARRCO, etc.). How can you benefit from this? You will need to contact your pension fund directly .
10. Local aid, a helping hand from your town hall or department
Some municipalities and departments offer specific assistance to retirees (transportation, catering, energy vouchers, etc.). Here t, oo, the eligibility criteria depend on your place of residence and your income. Contact your town hall or departmental council to find out about available assistance.
