France: What Changes in October 2026? New Rules, Benefits and Costs Taking Effect
Paris, France — October 2, 2026 — A series of new measures and regulatory changes are taking effect across France during October 2026, affecting household budgets, housing assistance, healthcare, fuel, rental contracts, sick leave and other areas of daily life.
Some measures entered into force on October 1, while others are scheduled to take effect later in the month.
Here is a summary of the main changes residents need to know.
APL and housing assistance increase by 1.15%
Housing assistance is being revalued by 1.15% from October 1, affecting the calculation of APL, ALF and ALS.
The annual revaluation is linked to the change in the rent reference index (IRL) for the second quarter of 2026.
The increase does not necessarily mean that every beneficiary will receive exactly 1.15% more, because the final amount depends on household income, rent, family circumstances and other calculation factors.
The October entitlement is generally reflected in the payment made in November.
Natural gas prices rise by 6.3%
The monthly reference price for residential natural gas increased sharply on October 1.
The CRE reference price rose from €172.05/MWh in September to €182.88/MWh in October, representing an increase of 6.3%.
The government estimates that this corresponds to approximately €5.28 more per month on average for affected households.
However, customers with fixed-price contracts are not automatically affected by this particular change.
Fuel assistance extended for “grand rouleurs”
Government fuel-support measures have been extended into the final quarter of 2026.
The “grand rouleur” scheme and other fuel-support measures have been extended for the fourth quarter, following the government’s September announcement.
The measures are intended to provide support to motorists and certain professional sectors affected by high fuel prices.
Medical costs: annual ceiling rises to €140
From October 1, the combined annual ceiling for medical franchises and fixed contributions rises from €100 to €140 per insured person.
The change does not mean that every patient will automatically pay €140. It is a ceiling on the amount that can be deducted under the relevant mechanisms during the year.
Certain groups continue to benefit from exemptions, including minors, pregnant women and beneficiaries of Complémentaire santé solidaire (C2S).
“Mon soutien psy”: third-party payment generalised
From October 1, tiers payant is generalised for consultations covered by the Mon soutien psy programme.
Eligible patients therefore no longer have to advance the portion of the consultation covered by Assurance Maladie under the scheme.
The measure changes how eligible psychological-support sessions are paid for rather than creating a new universal reimbursement programme.
Reusable menstrual products become reimbursable
From October 1, certain reusable menstrual products become eligible for reimbursement.
The measure covers eligible menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for menstruating people under 26 and beneficiaries of Complémentaire santé solidaire.
The reimbursement is subject to product and quantity conditions, including a limit of two eligible products per year.
Physiotherapists can conduct preventive-health assessments
From October 1, masseurs-kinésithérapeutes join the healthcare professionals authorised to conduct Mon bilan prévention.
The prevention appointment is fully covered by Assurance Maladie at designated stages of life, including ages 18–25, 45–50, 60–65 and 70–75.
New rental-contract models
New standardised models for residential rental contracts come into force in October.
The reform is intended to standardise the presentation and required information contained in rental agreements.
Tenants and landlords signing new leases should therefore pay attention to the updated model and mandatory information.
Vehicle impoundment fees change
New fourrière tariffs apply from October 1.
The change affects the costs associated with vehicles being impounded, including certain removal, custody and administrative charges.
The exact amount depends on the location and circumstances of the impoundment.
Mortgage borrowing: new usury rate
The taux d’usure applicable to certain mortgage loans was also revised for October.
For loans with a duration of 20 years or more, the maximum rate rises from 5.29% to 5.40% according to the October 2026 figures reported for the new period.
This rate represents the maximum overall borrowing cost that lenders may legally charge, including interest and certain associated costs.
Changes concerning long-term sick leave
Another important change occurs later in October.
From October 15, new rules reduce the maximum period of indemnification for certain long-term sick leave situations involving non-exempt ALD (affection de longue durée).
The maximum period concerned is reduced from three years to one year under the new rules.
This measure concerns a specific category of long-term illness and should not be confused with the rules applicable to every ordinary sick leave.
End of 2G networks for some operators
The gradual shutdown of 2G mobile networks is also part of the changes taking place around this period, with operators including Orange and Free progressing with the retirement of older network technology.
The practical impact will mainly concern older connected devices, alarms, trackers and equipment that depend exclusively on 2G connectivity.
France changes to winter time on October 25
Although not a legal reform affecting household finances, France will switch from summer time to winter time on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
At 3:00 a.m., clocks will move back one hour to 2:00 a.m.
What this means for households
October therefore brings a mixture of increases, support measures and new administrative rules.
For many households, the most visible financial changes are likely to be:
- Gas: reference price +6.3%
- Housing benefits: +1.15% revaluation
- Medical franchises and fixed contributions: annual ceiling rises to €140
- Fuel support: government assistance extended for the final quarter
- Mortgage borrowing: October usury-rate adjustment
- Healthcare: new reimbursement and payment arrangements
- Rental housing: updated standard lease models
- Vehicle impoundment: new tariffs
The exact financial impact will depend on each household’s income, contracts, family circumstances and eligibility for government assistance.
Paris Telegraph will continue to follow changes affecting household finances, social benefits, employment, healthcare and everyday life in France.
Sources: French Government, Assurance Maladie, CAF, Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) and official regulatory information.
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