France Retirees Morocco Residence Rules Aspa Benefits

Staying too long in Morocco can be costly for some retirees living between the two countries. The rule does not concern basic retirement pensions, but the Solidarity Allowance for Elderly Persons, better known as Aspa. This benefit, paid to retirees with low resources, is subject to a strict condition of residence in France.

Since the pension reform, retirees must reside in France for at least nine months per calendar year to continue receiving Aspa. This means that a retiree who spends a large part of the year in Morocco may face difficulties if the administration considers that their main place of residence is no longer in France.

Pension funds can request supporting documents to verify the reality of this residence: electricity bills, phone bills, rent receipts, tax notices, administrative documents or any other element proving stable presence in France. In case of doubt, periods spent abroad may be examined.

For many Moroccan retirees or elderly MREs, accustomed to splitting their time between France and Morocco, this rule therefore requires particular vigilance. Exceeding the authorized duration can result in the suspension or cancellation of Aspa. In some cases, amounts already paid can also be claimed, particularly if the change of residence was not declared.

The essential point to remember is simple: Aspa is not a standard retirement pension that can be exported without limits. It is a solidarity allowance linked to actual residence in France. Retirees concerned should therefore carefully count their days of presence in France and keep all necessary supporting documents.