French pension updates: disability increases and retirement surcote

French disability pensions are set to increase by 0.8% starting April 1, 2026. This adjustment applies to disability pensions, life annuities, third-party person increases, and temporary disability allowances. The timing of the increase depends on the specific social security regime. Under the general regime (CPAM), payments are made in arrears, meaning the increase will first appear in the May 2026 payment. Conversely, civil servants (SRE, CNRACL) and those under the CNIEG regime receive payments in advance, so the increase will be reflected in the April 2026 payment.

Additionally, retirees can increase their base pension through a 'surcote' mechanism. By working additional civil quarters after reaching the legal age and full insurance duration, individuals can increase their base pension by 1.25% per quarter for life. To qualify, the individual must continue to contribute through employment; periods such as illness, unemployment, or parental leave do not count toward this bonus. The accrual of these extra quarters begins at the start of the civil quarter following the attainment of the legal retirement age.