France to boost retirement pensions for mothers with 2026 reforms

Two decrees published on 31 July 2026 will take effect on 1 September 2026, altering the French pension system to better recognise parental responsibilities, especially for women. The measures reduce the reference period used to calculate the pension: the average salary will be based on the 24 best years for parents with one child and on the 23 best years for those with two or more, instead of the current 25 years. In addition, up to two quarters granted for child‑related periods will now be counted as contributed quarters, allowing more women to qualify for early retirement under the “carrières longues” scheme. The reforms stem from the 2025 retirement conclave and were incorporated into the 2026 Social Security financing bill. The government estimates that more than half of women will see a pension increase, though experts warn the gains will be modest and limited to a subset of retirees. The changes apply to the general regime and several special schemes, including SNCF, RATP and the Banque de France.