Exceptional aid for small businesses

A decree published on October 28, 2026, introduces a special financial support for small businesses with fewer than 250 employees that were affected by the damages on October 17 and 18. This aid aims to help cover the difference between the legal allowance paid to employees and the actual compensation received by employers during the disruption period.

Scope of the aid

The aid applies to businesses that obtained part-time work authorization due to an accident or exceptional weather conditions linked to the damages experienced during the urban disturbances on October 17 and 18. It focuses on lost working hours rather than physical damages like broken shop windows or destroyed stock.

Eligibility criteria

The decree does not automatically grant aid to any business closed during the specified period. Businesses must prove that their closure was due to the events mentioned and that they have the required administrative authorization. A voluntary closure, without any accident or constraint, is not sufficient for eligibility.

Administrative process

Employers must justify their request by submitting a complaint to the judicial police and, if applicable, declaring the accident to their insurer. They must also request part-time work authorization through a dedicated administrative portal within 30 days of placing employees on part-time work.

Approval and payment

The decision to grant the aid is made by the prefect of the department where the business is located. The payment is handled by the Agency for Services and Payments, which may request additional documents and verify eligibility. The aid cannot cover hours where salaries are already compensated by business interruption insurance.

Insurance and repayment

If an insurer compensates the company after the public aid has been paid, the business must repay the improperly received sums. It is important to track separately the hours compensated, insurance reimbursements, and the amounts received under the part-time work aid.

Support for employer contributions

Affected businesses may request a payment deferral from the URSSAF for employer contributions due in November and December 2026 and January 2027. This deferral can last up to twelve months and is not an automatic cancellation of contributions.

Additional support options

Self-employed workers can request an adjustment of their provisional contributions based on their situation. The DREETS of Hauts-de-France also provides information on support from chambers of commerce and a zero-interest loan from Bpifrance, which has specific eligibility conditions.

Distinguishing aid and support

Businesses must clearly differentiate between the part-time work aid, which helps maintain employment, and other supports such as insurance and loans, which address damages and cash flow issues. These tools serve different purposes and should be managed accordingly.

Urgent administrative steps

For affected managers, it is crucial to keep proof of the accident, declare the damage to the insurer, file a complaint, and meet the deadline for requesting part-time work authorization. These formalities determine access to the aid, the amount of which will depend on actual idle hours and the compensation received.