Has France got a Social Security system--does it, specifically, pay unemployment benefit ?

Question

A friend of mine,English, with a small business in France has found he is not doing any business. Are there any Social Security benefits he can claim for himself and his family. They have lived there for 5 years.

Answer 1

If he hasn't done already, he should go to the ANPE  (French job centre) to register as unemployed. They'll be able to tell him what he is entitled to. If he has paid taxes for 5 years, he should be able to claim something. It is well worth registering for health care alone.

Answer 2

This is the United States forum.  Why don't you ask that in the France forum?

Answer 3

Your friend is living in France for 5 years and hasn't figured out the French social security system. Shouldn't he inquire there?

Answer 4

The system for unemplyment benefits is France is called ASSEDIC and is a contributive system, i.e. it works like an insurance, you pay premiums and then you get some benefits when they are needed.

If your friend has not contributed to the ASSEDIC, he will not get any benefit.

There is a benefit named RMI for revenu minimum d'insetion, which any legal resident in France can claim. This is available through the town hall  or assistance publique.