Since January 1, 2016, the activity bonus has replaced the employment bonus as well as the "RSA activité". Paid by the Caisse d'allocations familiales, it is designed to support modest workers. To benefit from it, you need to meet a number of conditions, and apply in due form. Here's how to obtain the "prime d'activité", provided you are eligible.
What is the activity bonus?
The "prime d'activité" is a financial aid scheme designed to encourage employment by supplementing the income of low-income workers, up to a ceiling.
It is calculated on the basis of a quarterly declaration and paid on the 5th of each month. It is not subject to income tax.
Conditions for claiming the activity allowance
Who is eligible?
The "prime d'activité" is available to all workers over the age of majority (salaried and non-salaried), as well as students and apprentices earning at least 78% of the net minimum wage. To qualify, you must be a "stable and effective" resident of France, i.e. live there for most of the year. In the case of a stay outside France, the duration must not exceed 3 months per year. Otherwise, the bonus is not paid for the duration of the trip.
What income is taken into account?
The income taken into account is that of the family, i.e. the applicant, his/her spouse and dependents. This includes : - professional income of salaried or non-salaried employees and similar (daily allowances, vocational training, income during maternity leave, etc.) - replacement income (unemployment benefits, retirement, alimony and compensatory benefits, etc.) - the benefit in kind of providing housing free of charge, which is determined on a flat-rate basis - social benefits and assistance such as APL, family supplement and family support allowance - all other income subject to income tax.
However, some social benefits are not included in the calculation. This is the case for the following benefits: - birth bonuses - education allowance for disabled children (AEEH) - childcare supplement (CMG) - back-to-school allowance (ARS) - basic RSA - disability pensions and annuities - direct retirement pensions following accidents, infirmities or reforms - military disability pensions - disability annuities awarded to victims of industrial accidents and occupational diseases.
What ceilings must not be exceeded?
In 2019, the activity bonus can be paid to workers earning less than 1.5 times the SMIC, i.e. around €1,787 net per month for a single person.
In addition, since it is not only available to salaried employees, there are annual sales thresholds that self-employed workers must not exceed:
Category of self-employed person Annual ceilings not to be exceeded Non-agricultural self-employed person €16,796 (for a single person) Service provider €32,900 (excl. tax) Liberal profession Commercial buying/selling activities €82,200 (excl. tax) Commercial catering activities Commercial accommodation activities
Please note that you can estimate your entitlements using the CAF simulator. However, its algorithm is different from the one used to calculate benefits. It is therefore likely that there is a difference between the information given by the simulator and the amount you will actually receive.
How do I get it?
How do I qualify?
Simply make your request on the CAF website
If you already have a CAF account and a beneficiary number, you must make the request from your existing CAF space.
- In the drop-down menu, click on "Simulate or request a service".
- Then select "Le RSA ou la prime d'activité",
- Click on "Make a request" in the space provided for the activity allowance.
If you are self-employed, you must enter your income in the "Self-employed income" category. Enter your monthly gross sales.
Please note that it is important to inform the CAF that you are an independent contractor, as this status is managed in a specific way. To do this, you need to send your caisse a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, enclosing: + a letter explaining that you are self-employed here + a copy of your k-bis extract or your Sirene registration certificate (for the liberal professions).
If you are not yet a beneficiary, you must first create an account by clicking on "Demande une prestation" at the bottom of the CAF home page, then on "Vous n'êtes pas allocataire".
When should I apply?
Once your application for the "prime d'activité" has been accepted, you must provide your income every 3 months. To do this, go to the CAF website, heading "Mes ressources" ("My resources"), or to the CAF app "CAF - mon compte" ("CAF - my account"). The amount of your allowance will then be recalculated each time you submit your declaration, based on changes in your income.
Given the way this assistance works, there is no deadline for making an application. However, given this periodicity, it is preferable to apply after the lowest months. In fact, if you apply for the "prime d'activité" after you have recorded higher incomes, you may not be eligible.
The "prime d'activité" (business bonus) can be a real boost for entrepreneurs starting out on a low income. Don't hesitate to apply for it at your CAF, as the procedure is quick and easy. If you are eligible, the bonus will be paid as long as your income is compatible.
