Seniors' Bonus: Who Will Receive It? How Much?

François Bayrou has proposed the creation of a seniors' bonus. What does it consist of? The first elements.

This is an unexpected announcement, coming somewhat out of nowhere, but one that could delight some French people. François Bayrou has announced that he is considering introducing a new bonus for senior citizens. This idea comes from the Prime Minister as discussions on adjustments to pension reform are underway.

This proposal, however, seems at odds with the current context, which demands cost savings from all sides. It is nevertheless defended by the head of government for various reasons. But who could claim this new "check" from the state? How much would it cost? Here are the first elements, even though the project has not (yet?) been definitively finalized.

Who could receive the seniors’ bonus?

When announcing this potential bonus, François Bayrou indicated that it could be paid to employees of retirement age who decide to remain in the workforce. This means people aged at least 62 (with some exceptions) and then, by 2032, 64. Indeed, people born from 1968 onwards will have to have reached this age to receive their pension rights.

People who are eligible for retirement but decide not to stop and continue working could then receive a kind of bonus, in addition to their income from work.

How much would the senior bonus be?

This is the whole question that must be resolved by the unions and employers. In principle, François Bayrou wants this "bonus" to correspond to a portion of the employee's pension. In concrete terms, a person of retirement age who continues to work could receive their regular salary, as well as a portion of their pension, as a supplement. This would be a portion of the pension to which the person is entitled. What percentage would be paid? Will there be limits? All of this remains unclear.

According to Eric Revel, a journalist specializing in economics interviewed by Sud Radio , it could rise to 800 euros per month. A level that no one in the Prime Minister's entourage has confirmed. For its part, the Ministry of Labor has not commented.

When could this senior bonus be implemented?

It's hard to say. François Bayrou seems to have pulled this idea out of thin air without consulting either the unions or the employers. While representatives of business leaders have not commented on the issue, the unions have denounced the idea: firstly, because they believe that in an era of cutbacks, this measure would further entrench the social security gap; secondly, because it is not their main concern, with priority being given to improving the way in which hardship at work is taken into account.

Consultation on the adjustments to be implemented regarding pension reform is expected to be completed by the end of June. The fate of the seniors' bonus should therefore be known by then.