The term often comes up in political debates or on sidewalk microphones. Millions of French people must survive on a “small pension”. But when do we consider that we no longer receive a small pension? The thresholds are clearly defined: 1,352 euros monthly for a single person and 2,100 euros for a couple. Beyond these amounts, we no longer speak of a small pension. These figures include all pensions received, whether from basic or supplementary schemes, from both the public and private sectors.
This official definition, however, masks a more complex reality. Because behind these thresholds lie very diverse situations, with retirees who sometimes struggle to meet essential expenses: food, heating, healthcare or simply maintaining a minimal social life.
An arsenal of aid to support the most modest
Faced with this situation, the State has put in place several measures to support retirees with modest incomes. The minimum contribution constitutes the first line of defense. This automatic system, accessible to members of the general Social Security system, guarantees a minimum income which varies according to the contribution period. Concretely, a retiree who has contributed less than 120 quarters will receive at least 715.15 euros gross per monthwhile this amount rises to 857.15 euros for those who contributed more.
Farmers, who mostly pay themselves small salaries during their career, also have assistance. The MSA (Mutualité Sociale Agricole) provides a minimum reference pension set at 85% of the net minimum wage, or 1,177.03 euros since January 2024. This measure concerns both non-agricultural employees and farm managers and their collaborating spouses.
Other, more complex devices
Beyond these basic measures, an entire ecosystem of aid supplements the income of low-income retirees. Housing assistance (APL, ALS, ALF) often constitutes an essential supplement to maintain a roof over their heads. The ASPA, better known by its former name of “minimum old age”, can also strengthen the weakest pensions.
For people losing their independence, the APA (Personalized Autonomy Allowance) makes it possible to cover the costs linked to dependency. Disability situations are taken into account via the ASI (Supplementary Disability Allowance). Finally, the Solidarity Health Supplement, which replaced CMU-C and ACS in 2019, helps cover medical costs.
Access to this aid is not always automatic. While some are paid directly by pension funds once the conditions are met (notably obtaining a full pension), others require active approaches to organizations such as the CAF. A resource ceiling also applies: for the contributory minimum for example, the total pensions must not exceed 1,394.86 euros net monthly.
- A “small pension” is officially defined as less than 1,352 euros/month for a single person or 2,100 euros for a couple
- The minimum contribution guarantees between 715.15 and 857.15 euros depending on the contribution period
- A wide range of additional aid exists: APL, ASPA, APA, ASI and Supplementary Solidarity Health
