The holiday voucher system provides financial assistance to public service employees for leisure, cultural, dining, travel, and transportation expenses. Eligibility includes active and retired civil servants, with income thresholds determining qualification. Vouchers come in classic and digital formats, valued between 10 and 60 euros. Applications require specific documents, and vouchers can be used across France and the EU for various activities. They remain valid for two years, with options for exchanging unused vouchers.
Understanding the Holiday Voucher System in Public Service
The holiday voucher system is a financial aid program designed for public service employees, akin to benefits offered to those in the private sector. This initiative, managed by the ministry overseeing public service, is part of an interministerial social action plan. It aims to support various expenses related to:
- Leisure activities
- Cultural experiences
- Travel and accommodation
- Transportation within France and other European Union countries
This leisure assistance can also be combined with other holiday aid programs, such as trips to holiday camps, enhancing the overall support offered to public service agents.
Eligibility for Holiday Vouchers in the Public Sector
Holiday vouchers are available to a range of public service workers, including:
- Active civil servants (permanent or contractual) affiliated with a ministry
- Personnel (permanent or contractual) and retirees from the hospital public service
- Employees (permanent or contractual) and retirees from the territorial public service
However, as of October 1, 2023, certain groups are no longer eligible for these vouchers. This includes civil servants and retired military personnel covered by the civil and military pension codes, state retirees, and non-permanent retired agents receiving state pension benefits.
Determining Your Eligibility for Holiday Vouchers
To qualify for holiday vouchers, applicants must meet specific income criteria. The reference tax income of the agent must remain below a designated threshold, which is updated annually. For applications made in 2024, individuals should refer to their tax notice received in August 2023 concerning their 2022 income.
An official simulator is available for public agents to ascertain their eligibility. By answering a series of questions about their status (active, retired, or dependent), ministry affiliation, reference tax income, number of shares, and savings details, agents can determine their potential benefits. If found eligible, they will receive information regarding their bonus and voucher value along with a provisional calendar for withdrawals.
Financing and Bonuses Related to Holiday Vouchers
The holiday voucher system is primarily funded through prior savings from beneficiaries, complemented by employer contributions. Monthly savings can range from 2% to 20% of the minimum wage, with state contributions varying between 10% and 35% based on the agent’s saved income over a period of 4 to 12 months.
Specific public agents can also receive bonuses on their savings, including:
- Agents under 30 years old (up to 35% bonus)
- Disabled active agents (30% increase on state-paid bonuses)
- Overseas agents (20% reduction on their reference tax income)
Value and Types of Holiday Vouchers Available in 2024
Holiday vouchers come in two forms: Classic (paper) and Connect (digital). The Classic vouchers are available in denominations of 10, 20, 25, and 50 euros, while the digital vouchers carry values between 20 and 60 euros. To access the digital format, agents must create an account on the ANCV website, allowing them to manage their balance and make payments through various methods.
How to Apply for Holiday Vouchers as a Public Agent
To obtain holiday vouchers, public agents must submit an online request through the General Directorate of Administration and Public Service (DGAFP). The application requires several supporting documents, including:
- A valid national identity card or passport
- A bank account statement (RIB)
- A SEPA direct debit mandate (if applying via paper)
- A copy of the previous year’s tax notice
- A recent proof of residence (less than 3 months old)
- A recent payslip for active agents
- Documentation for persons with disabilities
Public service employees can also reach out directly to their human resources department for assistance. Notably, if both partners in a household work in the public service, each may submit a request for vouchers.
Where and How to Use Holiday Vouchers
Holiday vouchers can be utilized throughout France and in all 27 member countries of the European Union. They are valid for use by the beneficiaries’ spouses, children, and dependents and can be employed for various purposes, including:
- Travel and transportation
- Cultural and leisure activities
- Accommodation expenses
- Dining out
- Sports and recreational activities
For payment, paper holiday vouchers can be easily detached and handed over at the point of sale. For digital vouchers, users simply download the Chèques vacances Connect app, create an account, and can make contactless payments or pay online.
Validity Period of Holiday Vouchers
Holiday vouchers have a validity period of two years. For instance, a voucher issued in 2024 will remain valid until December 31, 2026. Any unused vouchers can be exchanged within three months following the end of the usage period for vouchers of the same value.