France's activity allowance leaves millions unclaimed as summer boost rolls out

A Drees study released on 8 July 2026 found that in 2021 about 3.4 million French households that were eligible for the activity allowance (prime d’activité) did not apply for it, while up to 7.1 million could have been entitled to the benefit. The non‑recourse was linked to lack of awareness, perceived complexity of the application and low expected amounts; roughly a third of non‑claimants would have received less than €50 per month, 29 % between €50‑€100 and 17 % between €100‑€150. The study also noted that couples and single men were most represented among those not claiming.

Separately, the CAF announced that the activity allowance will receive an automatic annual revaluation of 0.8 % in 2026, plus a new individual bonus that could raise payments by up to €50 per month for some recipients, especially those earning at or above the minimum wage. The increase will appear on beneficiaries’ accounts in July, August or September, depending on the quarter of their income declaration. No additional application is required, but claimants must continue to submit quarterly income statements and verify their payment details.