Did you know many retirees overlook benefits and support worth thousands each year? If you thought cake at the senior centre was the main perk, get ready for some serious pleasant surprises. Here’s what most retirees never hear — and how these little-known supports can transform everyday living.
Living Well at Home: Individual Assistance That Adds Up
It’s not just about holding onto your independence — it’s about thriving in your own home, with a bit of help when you actually need it. The most recognized aid is having domestic help hours funded for you. Yes, this means help with cleaning, keeping your home neat, and other chores, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your retirement (or at least, tackling those hobbies you promised yourself).
But that’s not all. Assistance comes in various forms and is designed for retirees in situations of fragility, who need support to live well at home — but who don’t qualify for the Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA). Eligibility is financially assessed, taking into account your latest tax notice. For those with monthly resources up to €953.45 (individuals) or €1,480.24 (couples, as of July 2022), you could get up to 90% of your plan funded. If your revenue rises to €2,103 or more (€3,154 for couples), you’ll get 25% covered. The plan’s max? €3,000 a year. You do the math — it’s no small change.
- Home help hours (cleaning, meal prep, etc.)
- Home delivery of groceries or meals
- Security measures like tele-assistance or temporary housing
- Assistance getting out: an accompanying person for outings
If a temporary hardship hits — after hospitalization or if a main caregiver is absent — there’s “momentary home help.” Just call 0971 090 971 (no surcharge) to request it; it stacks with other aids like support after hospital stays (ARDH) or in times of crisis (e.g., bereavement), with up to three months’ service possible. Don’t wait and suffer in silence.
Collective Power: Free Workshops on Everything from Nutrition to Tech
Retirement is also about coming together — and staying sharp (and nimble). There are free group activities and workshops, whether you’re into adapted physical activity, want to brush up on nutrition, or aim to keep your memory sharp. All event listings near you are mapped interactively at www.pourbienvieillir.fr (“Bien avec ma caisse de retraite” → “Trouver un atelier”). Yes, they’re free. You read that right — zero euros. Zero excuses.
These workshops aren’t only for retirees: some are open to those still working, especially ones on tech skills like “digital autonomy” or welcoming new retirees with tailored support since September 2022. Themes include the social and family impacts of retirement. There’s real focus here, not just a bingo hall with extra steps!
Backed by the general scheme, the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA), CNRACL (for public servants), and Agirc-Arrco, these collective actions are available to all affiliated retirees… and even others in specific cases.
New Generations of Support: The Oscar Kick
For those who want more than a DIY approach, help plans are evaluated right in your living room. The longstanding personalized action plan (PAP) is being phased out since July 2021 and replaced by a new coordinated retirement support offer — Oscar (no, not the one who lives in a trash can!).
Oscar combines home assistance (chores, meal preparation) with “prevention packages” up to €500 per year — and these are 100% paid for by your fund.
- Technical aids to prevent falls: rails, illuminated paths, etc.
- IT support to handle the digital world (because your grandkids can’t do everything for you)
- Psychological support or budget advice
Essentially, Oscar is designed to help you remain independent and safe, with coordinated services tailored to your evolving needs.
Emergency Help, “More Outings”, and Cultural Extras
Sometimes, life throws a curveball — a burglary, an unexpected drop in income, or even natural disasters. For these situations, emergency support is there, with up to €790 to handle one-off hardships (and yes, even help paying an energy bill, up to €203).
If you wish you had company on your shopping trips or fancy a visit to the hairdresser, “Sortir plus” cheques can pay your outing companion. Each retiree can get up to three cheque books a year (€150 each): the first costs €15, the second €20, the third €30 — a small price for big freedom.
And if you’re part of the State functionaries, your pension is managed by the State — but don’t fret. The regional interministerial sections for social action (SRIAS) offer cultural outings, trips, and more, so you won’t miss out.
Not sure which fund to turn to? Contact the one you paid into the longest. All of them offer support; don’t hold back in asking for what you deserve.
Bottom line: Your retirement years deserve to be comfortable, social, and worry-free. Yet, thousands miss out each year simply because they don’t know what’s on the table. Get informed, get involved, and claim every benefit you’ve earned — it’s time to let your years of work work for you.
