Retirement is one of life's milestones. Gone are the constraints of working close to your company. Now you're free to live wherever you please. This may be an opportunity for you to move: to be closer to your family, to return to your home region, to move to the countryside, or simply to move to a home more suited to your needs. But did you know that, in certain cases, you may be entitled to relocation assistance if you're retired? Who do you contact to find out, and what conditions do you have to meet as a retiree to obtain a moving allowance? Read on to find out how you can best prepare to finance your move.
Moving assistance: where can I go for information if I'm retired?
Generally speaking, the social assistance available for a move depends on your status and the social security fund to which you are affiliated. If you are retired, you should first contact your pension fund for information and to apply for moving assistance.
Depending on whether you were a private-sector employee or a civil servant, you are not affiliated to the same pension funds. In France, the two main pension funds are :
- Ircantec (Institution de Retraite Complémentaire des Agents Non Titulaires de l'État et des Collectivités publiques);
- CNRACL (Caisse Nationale des Retraites des Agents des Collectivités Locales).
Both are likely to pay you a premium or assistance for a move.
You can also contact your local social services department to apply for financial assistance from the Fonds de Solidarité pour le Logement (FSL). This organization, which is present in all départements, aims to promote access to housing. FSL grants are awarded on a means-tested basis to people of all ages, regardless of their status.
Pension funds: Ircantec and CNRACL relocation assistance
Each pension organization sets its own conditions for granting social assistance. You should therefore contact your pension fund directly to find out whether you are eligible for a bonus or relocation assistance. Click here to find out how Ircantec and CNRACL allocate moving assistance.
Moving assistance for Ircantec retirees
If you are affiliated to Ircantec as a pensioner, you may be eligible for assistance with your move from its Social Fund. Ircantec moving assistance for pensioners is granted subject to conditions.
You need to meet a number of criteria:
- hold a minimum number of points set at 900 points for a personal pension/450 points for a survivor's pension;
- have contributed to Ircantec for at least ten years;
- have an annual income of less than €14,845 for a single person/€33,837 for a couple, plus a supplement if you still have dependent children.
To apply for relocation assistance as an Ircantec pensioner, you need to complete a form sent by your fund, together with a number of supporting documents:
- a photocopy of your most recent income tax return;
- a receipted invoice in your name for the cost of the move, showing both addresses (departure and arrival).
Please note that you have a maximum of one year in which to apply for removal assistance. If you are eligible, you must pay 10% of the invoice. In addition, fuel and tolls are not eligible for assistance.
Removal assistance for CNRACL pensioners
If you are affiliated to the CNRACL as a civil service pensioner, you may also be eligible for relocation assistance for a change of principal residence.
You must meet the following conditions to receive moving assistance:
- CNRACL must be your main scheme;
- your reference tax income must be less than €13,800 for a single person or €20,700 for a couple.
You should apply to the Fonds d'Action Sociale (FAS), which will pay up to 90% of your moving expenses, up to a maximum of €2,050. Moving expenses must have been incurred after your retirement and be less than one year old.
To find out more and apply for Ircantec or CNRACL relocation assistance, contact your pension fund directly.
Fonds de Solidarité pour le Logement (FSL): loans and grants for moving home
You should also be aware that each département has its own Fonds de Solidarité pour le Logement (FSL). This social action scheme, which is part of the Conseil Général, can help you move house, even if you're retired.
FSL grants and loans are available to individuals and families in financial difficulty. Allocated on a means-tested basis, these grants are used to cover necessary expenses:
- when you move in (such as moving expenses or a security deposit);
- or housing maintenance in the event of rent or energy debts...
As each Conseil Général has its own social policy, the relocation assistance granted by the FSL varies from one department to another. Contact the social services where you live to find out if there is any moving assistance available in your department, and if you qualify as a pensioner.
As you can see, there are various forms of assistance available to help you finance a move if you are retired. Contact your pension fund or the Fonds de solidarité pour le logement in your département to find out more and apply for assistance. At Le Gentlemen, we'll be happy to provide you with a quote tailored to your moving project. Don't hesitate to contact us to assess the financing required for your move.