Single-parent allowance: amount set by reference to the RMI and obligation to claim maintenance payments

Articles 135 and 136 of the 2007 Finance Act amend the single-parent allowance (API). The guaranteed amount is now defined by reference to the minimum integration income (RMI) rather than the monthly family-benefit base (Article L. 524-1 of the Social Security Code). Recipients must claim their rights to social benefits and maintenance claims (child or spousal maintenance, compensatory allowance); otherwise, unless exempted, the allowance may be reduced by up to the family support allowance due for one child (Article L. 524-4). The obligation applies to entitlements opened before 1 January 2007 from 1 March 2007. The API was replaced by the increased active solidarity income (RSA) on 1 June 2009.