Also on 7 November 2025, Senator Marie-Claude Lermytte (UDI) introduced amendment n° 35 during the Upper House debate on the Anti-Fraud Bill. Her proposal would oblige departments to pay all residence-linked social allowances—including the personal autonomy allowance (APA) and disability compensation benefit (PCH)—only into bank accounts located in France or within the SEPA zone. At present, this banking requirement applies to national-level benefits but not to those distributed by départements, creating what the Senator calls “a loophole readily exploited via foreign accounts”.
![Senate push to tighten payment rules for social benefits paid to foreigners]()
The objective is to make it harder for ineligible recipients—often non-residents or people who have left France permanently—to continue drawing benefits. The amendment enjoys cross-party backing amid polls showing public concern about welfare leakage. Critics note that many recent migrants, particularly refugees, may not yet have access to a French bank and could face payment delays. The Government has taken the amendment “for consideration”, pending an impact assessment due before the final Senate vote on 13 November.
For employers managing expatriate payrolls, the change would reinforce the need for staff to open French or SEPA-compliant accounts quickly to receive any family or disability benefits. Mobility teams should review relocation checklists, especially for assignees’ dependent parents who rely on APA or PCH.
The objective is to make it harder for ineligible recipients—often non-residents or people who have left France permanently—to continue drawing benefits. The amendment enjoys cross-party backing amid polls showing public concern about welfare leakage. Critics note that many recent migrants, particularly refugees, may not yet have access to a French bank and could face payment delays. The Government has taken the amendment “for consideration”, pending an impact assessment due before the final Senate vote on 13 November.
For employers managing expatriate payrolls, the change would reinforce the need for staff to open French or SEPA-compliant accounts quickly to receive any family or disability benefits. Mobility teams should review relocation checklists, especially for assignees’ dependent parents who rely on APA or PCH.
