In this article, we take a look at what is the French status “RQTH” and how to obtain it, with the help of Dora Blasberg’s expertise.
First of all, let’s demystify this potentially frightening word by defining it…
What is this famous “RQTH” in France ?
The RQTH is an [administrative status] which officially recognises that a person is disabled in the workplace.
The RQTH is issued by the MDPH (Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées) in the person’s département of residence.
It facilitates access to support services and enables the working environment to be adapted to individual needs.
As Dora Blasberg explains, obtaining the RQTH is often a little-known process, even though it offers many advantages for disabled employees.
Are you too afraid to take this step? Are you afraid of it? Or if you’re hiding your disability, let us guide you through this article to help you build your self-confidence and dare to apply.
The rights and benefits of an RQTH in France
The RQTH confers a number of benefits that are often little-known, but invaluable for workers with disabilities.
RQTH and benefits for companies
- Workplace adjustments: with the RQTH, employers can put in place equipment and adjustments adapted to the needs of their employees, thus facilitating their day-to-day work.
- Access to training: specific vocational training programmes are available for workers with RQTH recognition, to help them develop their skills and facilitate their integration into the workplace.
- Entitlement to specific assistance and support: bodies such as AGEFIPH offer financial assistance to companies to facilitate the integration of disabled employees, as well as support services for the employees themselves.
The RQTH also opens the door to measures for maintaining employment, such as adjustments to working hours or specific aid for retraining.
RQTH and personal benefits in France
- A contribution of €300/year to your Personal Training Account.
If you have declared your RQTH to your french employer, you do not need to take any particular steps.
On the other hand, if you have not declared your RQTH to your employer, it is up to you to go to your CPF settings and send the scan of your RQTH to prove your disability.
- You can also deduct from your tax, in certain cases, the adjustments made to your teleworking office.
- In the “Le Particulier” special tax magazine in France, which comes out every year around February/March, you can find all the tax-deductible expenses for home improvements.
Breaking the taboo: NO, the RQTH does not prevent you from getting a bank loan in France !
I personally wanted to emphasise this good news: the law changed in 2022! So now’s the time to renegotiate your bank insurance policies if you already have one, or dare to embark on a buying project despite a disability or complicated health!
Since June 2022, it has no longer been necessary to complete a health questionnaire to obtain a home loan of up to €200,000 per borrower, provided that repayment is completed before the borrower’s 60th birthday.
This means that holding an RQTH is no longer an obstacle to obtaining a loan under these conditions, removing a source of discrimination often experienced by disabled people.
This legislative change marks a step forward for financial inclusion, by making the process of accessing credit fairer and removing an obstacle that could discourage the people concerned. This step forward helps to break down prejudices and make property acquisition projects more accessible to everyone, regardless of health conditions.
Example: you want to borrow €350,000 in France for two people ⇒ If you are 50/50, there’s nothing to worry about: no health questionnaire and no increase in loan insurance if you repay the amount before your 60th birthday.
Another example: you want to borrow €500,000 in France as a couple ⇒ You can take the maximum of €200,000 from your share of the loan as an active disabled person, so that there is no increase in loan insurance and no health questionnaire, and your partner could perhaps top up the remainder of the loan from his share.
Steps involved in obtaining the RQTH in France :
To obtain your RQTH in France, we advise you to follow these steps:
- Prepare your file in advance:
- Set aside all the documents proving your state of health (medical reports, prescriptions, physiotherapist’s certificate, etc.).
- Prepare the usual supporting documents: copy of valid identity card, proof of address less than 3 months old, etc.
- Then complete the personal form, which you can find on the website of the MDPH in your département of residence.
- Print out the medical form and read it carefully.
Doctors often take very little time to complete the medical file needed to apply for the RQTH. Prepare the points that your doctor needs to emphasise (in pencil or on a post-it note). This will make it easier to fill in on the day of the appointment and ensure that the right information is included.
- Then make an appointment with your GP or specialist to complete the medical form.
- Send all the documents to the MDPH, either electronically or by post, with acknowledgement of receipt.
The application will then be assessed by a multi-disciplinary committee, which will analyse the needs and impact of the disability on the applicant’s working life. The procedure can be lengthy, but it is essential if you are to benefit from the advantages of the RQTH.
RQTH and professional life: which Workplace adjustments are possible?
The RQTH can transform an employee’s daily life by facilitating access to a work environment adapted to their needs. Here are some examples of possible adaptations:
- Physical adjustments: ergonomic workstations, adapted equipment, or even a dedicated rest area.
- Organizational adjustments: flexible working hours, adapted rest times, or the option to work remotely for those with mobility issues or significant fatigue.
- Workplace health monitoring: as a holder of an RQTH, the employee can benefit from enhanced medical monitoring to prevent burnout and promote workplace well-being. In this regard, new solutions are being developed to improve physical capacity and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, such as the workplace physical check-up algorithm.
RQTH renewal : procedure and tips
Generally, the RQTH is granted by the MDPH for a duration of 1 to 10 years. It is renewable upon request. In some cases, if your disability cannot improve, it may be granted for life (although it is quite rare for the MDPH to approve it permanently).
Before the end of the allocated period, it is crucial to anticipate and submit a renewal request. This process follows the same steps as the initial application: submitting the file to the mdph, providing updated medical documents, and undergoing an evaluation by a multidisciplinary committee.
It is important for employees to maintain communication with their doctor and to properly document any changes in their situation. This will make the renewal process smoother and help ensure the continuation of a well-adapted work environment. Online resources and sector professionals can be valuable allies during the renewal process and in answering any questions along the way.