During the first quarter of 2003, a survey was carried out of 5,000 people who were receiving French income support (RMI), lone-parent allowance (API), specific solidarity benefit for the long-term unemployed (ASS) or adult disability benefit (AAH) during December 2001. After just over a year, the proportion of those in employment- including those in a profit-sharing scheme ­ doubled for the RMI, ASS and API, but remained stable for those receiving AAH. Employment held during the first quarter of 2003 was most often temporary, part-time or assisted by the State. These people very often lived in rented accommodation, with council housing being predominant. Living more often than the national average in overcrowded accommodation, they complained more about heating and dilapidation problems than the cramped conditions. Apart from the AAH beneficiaries, it was those receiving RMI who mostly reported health problems. The RMI and ASS beneficiaries found it the most difficult to live with their status of social welfare beneficiaries.