Stemming from the fusion of the Revenu de solidarité active (RSA) and the Prime pour l'emploi (PPE), the prime d'activité supports the occupation and buying power of low-income workers, rectifying certain problems posed by both the RSA and the PPE.
As of January 1, 2016, the prime d'activité is issued by Caisse d'allocations familiales and Mutualité sociale agricole (fr).
The creation of the prime d'activité is the result of several reports on two previous insufficient provisions regarding labor and low-income support, namely the RSA and the PPE.
It is unconnected to the RSA and is issued monthly at a "fixed" three-month rate[6] irrespective of any changes in employment, reducing the incidence of overcompensation, and can be claimed at age 18[7] with a simplified administrative process.
All earnings cited here are legally defined in relation to SMIC (fr) and are shown in monthly net in practice.