Between two hoaxes and egg hunts, Monday April 1 will also be the occasion for several changes in our daily lives, like every start of the month. Other administrative developments are expected during April. Some social benefits will increase by 4.6%, but the The amount allocated under the MaPrimeRénov’ system will be reduced. In addition, technical inspections of motorcycles and scooters will be compulsory from April 15. Franceinfo summarizes the important news for you.
The green sticker disappears from the windshield
No more green sticker to place on your windshield and insurance certificate to keep in the vehicle. There is no obligation to remove them, but, from Monday, they are replaced by an entry, within 72 hours after taking out an insurance contract, in a dematerialized file of insured vehicles. Law enforcement will be able to access it “from their digital tools on board on patrol”.
This file of insured vehicles (FVA) has already existed since 2019. The insured does not need to register, their data being transmitted by their insurer. But it is possible to check on the FVA website if the information contained there is accurate. In the event of renewal or subscription to a new contract from April, insurers must send “a memo” to the insured detailing their contract.
Until now, failure to affix the sticker and failure to present the certificate was punishable by a fine of 35 euros. Even if the sticker disappears, car or motorcycle insurance obviously remains compulsory.
Technical inspection will become compulsory for two-wheelers
From April 15, scooters, motorcycles, as well as carts and quads will have to undergo technical inspection. Depending on the vehicle registration date, the first check must be carried out between August 2024 and 2029, at the latest.
The certificate remains valid for three years, but must be less than six months old in the event of resale of the vehicle. Drivers without up-to-date technical inspections will risk a fine of 135 euros or immobilization of the vehicle.
The medical deductible goes from 50 cents to 1 euro
A slightly higher out-of-pocket cost for the patient. THE doubling of the medical deductible, from 50 cents to 1 euro on each box of medicinescomes into force on Sunday March 31. The excess on medical transport is also doubled, from 2 to 4 euros, from the same date.
The fixed contribution for consultations and medical procedures has, for its part, already increased in mid-February, going from 1 to 2 euros. This doubling does not concern acts carried out during hospitalization, nor medical biology examinations and analyses.
According to government estimates communicated in the fall, during debates on the 2024 Health budget, the measure should allow 800 million euros in savings for Social Security funds.
Several social benefits are revalued
The active solidarity income (RSA), the activity bonus and the allowance for disabled adults (AAH) are increased from Monday due to inflation. These social benefits paid by the Family Allowance Fund will increase by 4.6%.
The Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity specifies that the amount paid for a single person to the RSA will be 635.71 euros (+27.96 euros). The maximum amount of the AAH will increase to 1,016.05 euros (+44.68 euros).
The penalty on supplementary pensions is removed
Current retirees will no longer be penalized by a temporary 10% “penalty” applied to supplementary pensions paid by Agirc-Arrco. This system had already ceased to apply in December for all new retirees. Since 2019, the organization has offered people who have reached the legal retirement age at full rate the opportunity to work one more year. If they wanted to receive their pension immediately, their supplementary pension was reduced by 10% for three years.
An agreement signed in October by the social partners puts an end to this system. A “bonus” applied to those working an additional two to four years. This will be retained for those who are not affected by the 2023 pension reform, specifies the official website of the French administration.
The “shield” on rents ends
The rent reference index (IRL), published by INSEE, caps the annual rent increases that owners can apply to their tenant. Since the summer of 2022, a “shield” has limited the increase in the IRL to 3.5% in France, 2% for Corsica and 2.5% for the overseas departments. This shield had been extended until March 31 and will therefore end on Monday. From this date, variations of the IRL will therefore no longer be limited.
The amount of MaPrimeRénov’ aid for wood heating is decreasing
The amount of the MaPrimeRénov’ subsidy for the installation of wood heating decreases by 30% from Monday. This aid, allocated for the installation of boilers or wood, log or pellet stoves, varies depending on household income.
The winter break period ends
The winter break, during which procedures for eviction of a tenant by an owner are suspended, ends on Sunday. This truce also applies to gas and electricity. From Monday, it therefore becomes possible again for energy suppliers to interrupt the supply of electricity or gas to their private customers in their main residence for reasons of unpaid bills.
EDF, the historic electricity supplier, has, however, no longer made such cuts since 2022. Instead, it reduces the power supplied in order to ensure a “minimum service” (light, refrigerator, phone charging, etc.).
Sending of the energy check begins
A boost for 5.6 million low-income households. The households concerned will receive the energy check from Tuesday “without any prior action”, announced the Ministry of the Economy on Saturday. These home deliveries will be spread out until April 25, respecting a schedule that varies from one department to another, which can be consulted on the official website of the system.
For technical reasons, however, a portion of newly eligible households risk falling through the cracks – associations fear that up to a million beneficiaries will be harmed. The Ministry of the Economy affirmed that an online system would be set up “by this summer” to allow households meeting the criteria, but having received nothing by April 25, to claim their energy check.
Distributed since 2018, the energy check helps less well-off households pay their electricity, gas, domestic fuel oil or even firewood bills, as well as certain energy works. Its amount varies between 48 and 277 euros, depending on income and the composition of the household. This aid can be used until March 31, 2025.
Displaying the composition of periodic protection is now mandatory
Tampons, towels, menstrual cups… Manufacturers of periodic protection will now be required to detail their composition on the packaging or instructions for use. “Le detail of the substances and materials incorporated”, “the mention of the terms and precautions of use”as well as “possible adverse effects (irritation, intolerance, allergies, micro-trauma) or more serious ones such as menstrual toxic shock syndrome” must be communicated, details the Fraud Repression (DGCCRF).
The decree, which comes into force on April 1, was published at the end of December in the Official Journal. He plans “an authorized period for the sale of stocks already placed on the market until December 31”specifies the DGCCRF.