Social Assistance for Accommodation (ASH) delivers essential financial support to older adults, helping cover housing costs in specialized facilities or approved foster families. This key aid empowers low-income seniors to afford dignified living arrangements. Discover eligibility requirements and the straightforward steps to apply.
As the name implies, ASH provides financial aid to seniors residing outside their personal homes—in specialized facilities like EHPADs, long-term care units (USLD), or independent residences, or with approved foster families who receive payment for care. Administered by the Departmental Council, this benefit covers all or part of accommodation expenses.
For those in specialized facilities, ASH also funds the resident co-payment for medical care in nursing homes or USLDs, irrespective of autonomy loss level.
Beyond residing in an elderly care facility or with a family carer, applicants must meet these criteria:
For foster family arrangements, the family must be approved by departmental services. Facilities like EHPADs, USLDs, or independent residences must be authorized for ASH recipients—find a directory at pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr.
Seniors with 5+ years in a facility without prior ASH may qualify later, even if the placement isn't ASH-designated.
Disabled seniors in specialized housing qualify under adjusted rules: prior accommodation in disability services or a pre-65 disability rate of 80%+.
Departmental Councils determine ASH amounts based on the senior's resources and a protected minimum income (no less than €104 per month as of 2019).
In facilities, recipients contribute 90% of income; the Council covers the shortfall via ASH, paid directly to the establishment.
For foster families, the reserved minimum (above €104) must cover the host's URSSAF contributions, civil liability insurance (senior's responsibility), health coverage, and clothing.
ASH amounts can be reviewed if resources change. Note: It's recoverable from the estate, recent (10-year) gifts, or improved finances—during life or posthumously.
Submit applications via the local Communal Center for Social Action (CCAS) or town hall where the senior resided for 3+ months pre-admission. They forward to the Departmental Council.
Each department requires a specific form, typically needing: ID, proof of address, tax notices (self/spouse/maintenance debtors), recent pension/salary proofs (3 months), and family record book debtor list.
Apply within 2 months of admission for retroactive effect from entry date—ideally concurrently with placement.
Decisions notify the senior or representative. Appeals go to the Departmental Social Aid Commission within 2 months.
