France Implements New RSA Requirements with Weekly Activity Obligations

The law mandates 15 hours of weekly activities for RSA recipients, but flexibility and exemptions are built in for specific cases.

As of January 1, 2025, RSA recipients must engage in at least 15 hours of weekly activities aimed at social and professional integration, as part of a broader employment reform.
Activities can include job applications, professional training, skill development, volunteer work, or addressing personal barriers like housing or health issues, rather than strictly unpaid labor.
Exemptions are available for individuals facing significant challenges, such as health problems, disabilities, or caregiving responsibilities, with adjustments made based on personal circumstances.
Non-compliance with the activity requirements may lead to suspension of RSA payments, but sanctions are unlikely to be enforced before mid-2025 due to pending decrees and logistical challenges.
Critics highlight concerns about inadequate resources for implementation, potential inequalities across regions, and the risk of increasing non-participation in the RSA program.