Social Aid Barriers Worsen Poverty in France, Reports Secours Catholique

A new report highlights the struggles of accessing social benefits, contributing to extreme poverty among vulnerable populations.

Secours Catholique's annual report reveals that 74% of those aided live in extreme poverty, with many facing barriers to accessing social benefits.
The report notes a significant increase in households without any financial resources, rising from 15.5% in 2013 to 25.4% in 2023.
Difficulties in navigating digitalized administrative processes lead to high non-recourse rates for benefits like RSA and family allowances.
The report criticizes recent policies for tightening eligibility criteria and reducing social support, further marginalizing vulnerable groups.
Secours Catholique calls for policy changes, including increased RSA to match inflation and guaranteed physical access to social services.