Associations Urge Suspension of RSA Reform Amid Concerns
In a recent report released on October 14, 2024, Secours Catholique and several other advocacy groups have raised alarms regarding the RSA reform, which mandates that beneficiaries complete fifteen hours of weekly activity. The associations are calling for the immediate suspension of this reform, which is set to be generalized in 2025. According to Sophie Rigard from Secours Catholique, this reform disproportionately affects the poorest segments of society, and there is a pressing need to assess its potential negative impacts before further implementation.
The RSA, or active solidarity income, is designed to support low-income individuals, but the new requirements may lead to unintended consequences. The report highlights concerns that the reform could push beneficiaries into unpaid work and create competition with both public and private job markets, potentially degrading working conditions and pay rates. Currently, 1.82 million individuals, or approximately 3.65 million when including family members, rely on RSA, which provides monthly benefits of 607.75 euros for individuals and 911.63 euros for couples without children.
The associations, including the FSU union, Emmaüs, and the Abbé Pierre Foundation, emphasize that the reform's
