Click here to go to 
AngloINFO Limousin's front page
Limousin Local Reference INFOrmation
INFOrmation

Social Security - Unemployment Benefits

Contents:
Introduction

Moving to France
Registration Procedures
The Residence Permit
Moving Goods
Moving Plants & Animals
Moving Financial Assets
Moving Cars
The Driving Licence
Finding Accommodation
Finding a School

Living in France
The System
Taxes & Charges
Shopping
Accommodation
Educational System
Transport

Social Security
E forms - General overview
General Organisation
Sickness Insurance
Family Benefits
Old Age Insurance
Unemployment Benefits

Working in France
Recruitment
Applications
Recognition of Qualifications
Conclusion of Contracts
Amendments of Contracts
Remuneration
Working Time
Vocational Training
Annual Leave
End of Employment
Employment of Women
Occupational Risks
Sexual Harassment
Representation of Workers
Work Disputes

Recognition of Diplomas
General System
Paramedical Professions
Teachers
Engineers
Lawyers
General & Specialist Doctors
Pharmacists
Dentists
Midwives
Veterinarian
General Care Nurses
Architects
Unemployment benefits: Beneficiaries and conditions for entitlement 
Anyone who has lost their job can benefit either from the unemployment benefit scheme, if they have already worked and paid contributions, or from the state-financed solidarity scheme.

The unemployment benefit scheme involves two public bodies, the Pole Emploi. All active jobseekers can register by showing some identification or a residence permit and a work permit if the jobseeker is not French. Registration can be by mail, telephone or on line.

In addition, persons wishing to claim return to work benefit (‘ARE’) must also present the following:

  • one or more certificates from employers, 
  • a copy of their social security registration card, 
  • a statement with their bank or postal account details. 

Once registered, the jobseeker gets a jobseeker's card. To receive unemployment benefit, employees must:

  • have worked at least 6 months during the last 22 months, 
  • be registered as a jobseeker 
  • not have left their job voluntarily,
  • be under the age of 60,
  • be physically fit to work.
  • be actively and permanently seeking work 

Depending on how long they have worked, jobseekers may receive the ‘ARE’ return to work benefit for a period of between 7 and 23 months. The amount of the ARE varies according to the wage received by the jobseeker during the reference period. The rates are as follows:

Specific provisions also exist for over-fifties, seasonal workers or entertainment workers without steady employment.

The solidarity scheme provides for the payment of assistance benefit to three categories of unemployed persons:

  • the long-term unemployed who are no longer eligible for unemployment benefit;
  • jobseekers who have no work references and find it particularly difficult to find jobs;
  • workers in the private sector who can prove that they have paid 160 three-month periods into the old-age pension system.

The Solidarity allowance is reserved for jobseekers whose individual or joint resources do not exceed a certain threshold. Calculation of the fixed allowance is based on the income of the people concerned.

Text last edited on: 03/2007

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2009
Reproduction is authorised.

myAngloINFO

· Sign in

· Become a member NOW!


Stay INFOrmed! with our weekly newsletter.

Credit Agricole Centre and Centre Ouest
Branches throughout the Limousin with numerous English speaking advisors - a dedicated telephone service for English speaking customers and access to an English website. Find out more...
Hautefort Renovation
We are a team of dedicated Artisans who undertake all types of construction and renovation work. Our work complies with French regulations and is of a high standard. Free estimates. References available. 10 year guarantees. Find out more...
Siddalls
Regulated, qualified advisers in France and the UK provide seamless, independent financial advice on both fiscal systems to help with the financial aspects of living in France. Contact David Hardy for further details. Find out more...
Piscine Ambiance
Large, reliable and professional. Offers reinforced concrete pools. Large store in Brive. Fully integrated services, no sub-contractors. Will help you decide which is the pool for you and how best to maintain it. Many satisfied English customers. Find out more...
Picture perfect
Quiet Moment
Quiet Moment
A relaxing view of St Yrieix la Perche

^ Top of Page ^


Page generated at 12:13; Sunday 22 November 2009
Copyright © 2000-2009 AngloINFO Limited. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, About, Advertising, Contact.
AngloINFO: Everyday life in France, in English · la vie quotidienne en France, en anglais

Find out more about AngloINFO in France...