Livret A, LEP, retirement, EDF, mortgage… What changes for your budget on February 1st

New rate for the Livret A and the Livret d’epargne populaire (LEP), stricter unemployment compensation rules, a 15% increase in EDF’s regulated tariffs, a new method of calculation for the maximum rate of a real estate credit…. Many changes await the household portfolio from February 1, 2023. Detailed review.

Find out what’s changing for your finances starting February 1. And the novelties to take into account are numerous with good and bad news for your purchasing power.

New rates for regulated savings

This is one of the positive effects of the sharp rise in prices that is shaking the economy. The rates of the main regulated savings products will record a sharp increase from next Wednesday since their calculation formulas take into account the evolution of inflation.

The rate of the Livret A and its twin the Livret de développement durable et solidaire (LDDS) will thus increase from 2% to 3%. Concretely, a Livret A garnished up to 5800 euros, which corresponds to the average amount placed on this product, could generate 174 euros in interest over a full year at 3%, i.e. 58 euros more than with the current rate.

But there is even better if you are eligible for the People’s Savings Booklet (LEP). Its rate will climb 6.1%, against 4.6% so far. By taking the average amount left on a LEP, 5600 euros, the annual interest will reach 341.60 euros, i.e. 84 euros more.

Sharp rise in EDF’s regulated tariffs

It is a new version of the tariff shield which had limited 4% the rise in EDF’s regulated electricity tariffs in 2022, despite pressure from energy prices. As of February 1, they will increase by 15% on average. An average that hides significant differences, depending on the regulated tariff option chosen by EDF customers.

It should be noted that the increase in regulated tariffs will also apply to customers of alternative suppliers, such as TotalEnergies, whose contract is indexed to changes in regulated tariffs.

Despite everything, this increase is much lower than that which should have applied if the State had not decided to freeze any tariff increase above 15% in 2023. The Energy Regulation Commission had in fact proposed an increase 100% of the rates paid from February.

A new maximum mortgage rate

As of February 1, the method of calculating the ceiling borrowing rate in real estate, called wear ratewill be calculated every month until July, instead of once a quarter.

This technical change should facilitate access to credit for individuals when rates rise sharply and faster than the wear rate. The latter is thus an obstacle for a large number of buyers who see their credit report rejected. The other side of the coin for borrowers, they should expect the banks to raise their mortgage rates a little more.

Mortgage loan: will the release of the wear rate cause credit rates to explode?

New work ceilings to take advantage of MaPrimeRnov’

The ceilings for work that can be financed by MaPrimeRnov’ will be boosted on February 1, 2023, due to the rise in prices. MaPrimeRnov’ helps individuals renovate their homes to reduce their energy consumption.

With regard to MaPrimeRnov Srnit, the device which concerns renovation work allowing an energy gain of at least 35%, the ceilings will be raised by 30000 35000 euros.

With regard to MaPrimeRnov’ Coproprits, intended to finance energy renovation work on the common areas, this aid will see its ceilings raised by 15000 25000 euros.

In an interview granted this Tuesday to Parisianthe president of the National Housing Agency (Anah), the organization responsible for distributing MaPrimeRnov’, estimated that all those who this year have carried out energy renovation work, whether by gesture or overall, will save 790 euros each year on their energy bill.

Highway prices are rising

The price of highway pages will increase by 4.75% on average from next Wednesday, after 2% in 2022. Several motorway companies have decided to put in place commercial gestures to soften the bill. The 30% discount granted to motorists making at least ten round trips per month on the same route will thus pass 40%. In addition, electric vehicles will benefit from a 5% discount for one year, on all their routes, on the Sanef/SAPN and APRR/AREA networks, also from 1 February.

Revalued retirement pensions

Beyond the pension reform launched by the government, current retirees will benefit from an increase in their pension. After a revaluation of 4% in July, the pension from the basic general plan increased by 0.8% at the beginning of the year. Good news for nearly 15 million people who will receive their January pension from February 9, according to the schedule set by the Retirement Insurance.

The payment of the deferred CAF

RSA, activity bonus, APL… Payments from the Family Allowance Fund (Caf) are usually made the 5th of every month. Except that in February, it will take place with a day lag, Monday, February 6, since the 5th falls on a Sunday. A slight delay which will repeat itself three more times in 2023.

Unemployment benefit reform

The duration of compensation will now vary according to the unemployment rate for job seekers opening rights from 1 February 2023. Explanations. Currently, the duration of compensation is determined according to several criteria. On the one hand, it is necessary to justify 6 months of work over the last 24 months to qualify for unemployment insurance. In addition, the duration of compensation is different according to the age of the claimants: 24 months maximum for persons under 53 years of age and 36 months beyond. As of February 1, this duration of compensation will depend on the state of the labor market.

If the unemployment rate is less than 9% as is the case today with a rate of 7.5%, or if it falls for three consecutive quarters, the economic situation will be considered good. The duration of compensation for job seekers will be reduced by 25%, respecting a minimum duration of 6 months. Thus, a job seeker who has contributed up to 24 months will see the duration of his rights reduced to 18 months, explains www.vie-publique.fr.

On the other hand, if the unemployment rate is over 9% or if it increases by 0.8 points in one quarter, the economic situation will be considered to have deteriorated. The duration of compensation will then be restored to its current level and job seekers will be able to benefit from an additional end of 25%.

It should be noted that this adjustment will not be applied to seafarers-fishermen, dockers, entertainment workers, expatriates who benefit from a special scheme and job seekers under a professional security contract. Ditto for people from overseas departments due to the specific economic context.

Last deadline (already) to claim the fuel bonus of 100 euros

It is an aid of 100 euros for the 10 million most modest workers, welcome when the liter of gasoline is once again approaching the bar of 2 euros. Since January 16, it is possible to claim the fuel allowance on the tax website.

The persons concerned have until February 28 to do it. They must enter their tax number, that of their license plate, and finally complete a declaration on honor indicating that they need their car to go to work, in order to receive 100 euros in their bank account. Only 3 million people have so far applied for the fuel bonus.