France to reduce sick leave compensation duration for certain workers

sick leave compensation pension payments social security reforms long-term illness French social benefits

New regulations regarding sick leave compensation in France will take effect on October 15, 2026. According to two decrees published in September, the maximum duration for daily allowance payments will be reduced from 36 months to 12 months for certain categories of insured individuals.

This change specifically targets employees under the general and agricultural regimes, as well as notary clerks and employees, who suffer from a long-term condition (ALD) that does not qualify for 100% coverage by the Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie). The new rules apply to sick leave prescribed starting October 15, 2026, and will also affect existing leaves that reach the six-month mark after that date.