France's survivor pension rules restrict remarriage, favor PACS

In France, a survivor’s pension (pension de réversion) can be paid to a surviving spouse under strict conditions. The classic pension starts at age 55, but an allocation for widows under 55 (allocation de veuvage) is available if the survivor is at least 50, lives alone, meets a low‑income ceiling and the deceased contributed at least three months in the year before death. The allocation can reach up to €622.82 per month and is paid for two years, longer if the survivor is already 50‑55.

For the private‑sector complementary scheme Agirc‑Arrco, remarriage permanently cancels any survivor’s pension, while a civil partnership (PACS) or concubinage has no effect. The rule applies even after divorce or a second widowhood, meaning the pension never resumes. This contrasts with the general system, where only marriage grants eligibility; PACS and cohabitation are excluded from all reversion schemes, including public‑sector pensions.

Because PACS partners lack automatic protection, many turn to life‑insurance policies, joint ownership of property, wills, or civil‑law companies to secure financial support for the surviving partner. The overall framework remains unchanged in 2026, with age thresholds of 55 and varying resource caps across regimes.