The Disability Adult Allowance (AAH) is a financial aid provided by the CAF or MSA to individuals whose disability rate reaches a threshold recognized by the MDPH. Since April 1, 2026, its maximum amount has increased from 1,033.32 euros to 1,041.59 euros per month, representing a rise of 0.8%. This revaluation, framed by decree n° 2026-229 of March 30, 2026, remains far from the 1,600 euros demanded by certain political parties.
AAH at 1,600 euros: a political proposal, not an applicable amount
Confusion frequently arises in online searches. The figure of 1,600 euros corresponds to a proposal put forward by the Nouveau Front Populaire, which aimed to align the AAH with the net minimum wage. This amount has not been adopted by Parliament and does not appear in any regulatory text applicable in 2026.
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The actual amount paid since May 2026 is 1,041.59 euros for a person with no income. To better understand the conditions for the AAH at 1,600 euros as they are discussed, it is necessary to distinguish between what is governed by current law and what remains an unvoted project.
This distinction matters because beneficiaries organize their budgets around amounts announced in the press, without verifying their legal basis. The only reliable reference remains the decree published in the Official Journal.
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AAH Revaluation 2026: calculating the amount based on resources
The AAH is a differential allowance. The amount of 1,041.59 euros applies only to beneficiaries with no other resources. As soon as there is any income (disability pension, work accident pension, earned income), the CAF applies a deduction and then subtracts the result from the ceiling.
Beneficiaries with no resources
A single person with no income receives the full rate: 1,041.59 euros. This amount has been automatically paid since May 5, 2026, without any specific action required from beneficiaries already registered.
Beneficiaries receiving a pension or annuity
The AAH supplements the pension up to the ceiling, without exceeding it. If a person receives a disability pension of 600 euros, the AAH paid will be the difference between 1,041.59 euros and the amount of that pension. The exact calculation also depends on the family situation and the spouse’s income.
- Disability pension, early retirement due to disability, or work accident annuity: each is deducted from the maximum amount of the AAH to determine the additional payment.
- Earned income: a specific deduction applies before the deduction, allowing partial accumulation of salary and allowance.
- Spouse’s income: since the deconjugation of the AAH, the partner’s resources are no longer taken into account for the calculation, which has represented a concrete gain for many households.
AAH eligibility conditions: disability rate and role of the MDPH
Access to the AAH is based on a medical and administrative evaluation conducted by the departmental house for disabled persons. Two situations grant the right to the allowance:
- A disability rate of at least 80%, recognized by the MDPH. The allocation can be granted without a time limit if the disability is not likely to improve.
- A disability rate between 50% and 79%, provided there is a substantial and lasting restriction on access to employment. The allowance is then granted for a limited, renewable period upon application.
- Age conditions (at least 20 years old, or 16 years under certain conditions) and stable residence in France complete the system.
The application is made to the MDPH of the department of residence, with a medical certificate dated less than six months and the dedicated Cerfa form. Processing times vary by department but often exceed several months.
Real purchasing power of AAH beneficiaries in the face of energy inflation
The 0.8% increase represents a monthly gain of about 8 euros. Compared to the increase in energy prices observed in recent years, this adjustment remains limited. The most affected expense items for beneficiaries are heating, electricity, and adapted transportation.
For a person with a disability living alone, expenses related to the disability are not covered by the AAH. Specific equipment, housing adaptations, medical transport costs: these charges are deducted from the remaining living allowance. The disability compensation benefit (PCH) covers part of these needs, but with distinct ceilings and criteria.
The gap between the annual revaluation and the actual increase in energy prices creates a scissors effect. Each year, the nominal amount of the AAH increases, but the real purchasing power stagnates or declines for beneficiaries whose fixed charges rise faster than the allowance.
It is in this context that the demand for an AAH of 1,600 euros gains political significance. The current amount of 1,041.59 euros remains below the monetary poverty threshold, placing the majority of beneficiaries in a structural precariousness that the annual revaluation of a few euros does not correct.
The next planned revaluation will occur in April 2027, indexed to changes in consumer prices. In the meantime, beneficiaries concerned with a renewal of rights should anticipate their procedures with the MDPH, as processing times remain the main factor disrupting the payment of the allowance.