Daily life. Gas prices, social benefits, taxes... What's changing as of May 1st
Increased social benefits, lower gas prices, tax returns... What changes can you expect in your daily life and your wallet starting Thursday, May 1st ? We take stock.
After several months of increases, the price of gas is finally going down. Photo Sipa / Franck Lodi
Good news for households heating with gas , after several months of increases: from May 1 , the reference price per kilowatt hour (kWh) will fall by 6.4%, from 0.1241 euros to 0.1162 euros, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission , which publishes its "reference" natural gas sales prices each month. For a household with a standard consumption of around 11,500 kWh per year, this reduction will save around 90 euros per year. The last reduction in the price of gas was in November 2024.
Announced on April 1 , the annual revaluation of social benefits takes effect in May. Starting May 5, beneficiaries will receive their benefits increased by 1.7%, in line with inflation. For example, the amount of the Disabled Adult Allowance (AAH) will increase to €1,033 per month compared to €1,016.05 previously (+€17.27), the Active Solidarity Income (RSA) for a single person will increase from €635.71 to €646.52 (+€10.81), and the activity bonus for a single person will increase from €622.63 to €633.21 (+€10.58).
Tax return: pay attention to the dates
The 2025 income tax return campaign (covering 2024 income) has been open since April 10. The online filing deadlines vary by department: • May 22 for departments numbered 1 to 19, • May 28 for departments 20 to 54, • June 5 for departments 55 to 976,
• May 20 for paper declarations or French residents abroad.
To encourage the French to purchase an electric car, the government introduced free registration documents (only the administrative and shipping fees were charged, which amounted to €13.76). This incentive will end on May 1st , and electric vehicles will be subject to the same regional taxes as combustion-engine vehicles.
You will have to wait for the energy check
The energy check, usually sent to eligible households in the spring, will arrive starting in November this year . This delay is linked to several political and administrative factors, including the late adoption of the 2025 Finance Act. This aid, sent to approximately 5.5 million households to help them pay their energy bills, ranges from 48 to 277 euros depending on income and household composition.
Effective May 1 , several changes will affect employer contributions. The contribution rate for companies with fewer than 50 employees will now be 0.3193%, and 0.3233% for those with 50 or more employees. The exceptional and temporary contribution (CET) for employers to unemployment insurance will end, effective May 1. The standard rate for this contribution will increase to 4% (compared to 4.05% previously). In addition, the contribution for workplace accidents and occupational diseases will increase to 0.50%.
Le Progres
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