France retirement: Audit career statements from age 55 to prevent pension errors

To avoid reduced pension payments, individuals in France are advised to begin auditing their individual situation statements as early as age 55. This proactive check allows time to correct discrepancies in reported quarters, salaries, or employment periods before the final pension calculation is processed.

Data cited from the Cour des comptes suggests that approximately one in nine newly awarded pension benefits in 2025 may contain a financial error, most of which are unfavorable to the insured. Common issues include unrecorded summer jobs, periods of unemployment, part-time work, maternity leave, or activities performed abroad. Verifying these details year-by-year is essential, as incorrect salary reporting can impact the final calculation even if the total number of quarters appears correct.