Should women who have had children request a recalculation of their pension?

The recent pension reform, which came into effect in September 2026, promises notable changes for mothers, but its implementation is experiencing significant delays. While they hoped to benefit from a pension calculation based on their best earning years, a delayed software update temporarily maintains the old system. What is really happening and what should the affected retirees do?

The essentials to remember

• The pension reform that came into effect on September 1, 2026, allows for pension calculations based on the 24 or 23 best years for mothers, depending on the number of children.
• Pension notifications continue to use the old calculation over 25 years due to delays in updating computer systems.
• The automatic correction of pensions is planned for the second quarter of 2027, with no action required from the beneficiaries.

Imagine you are a mother who has dedicated a large part of your life to raising your children while working. You are about to receive your long-awaited pension, but the surprise is significant: the amount is lower than expected. A recently implemented reform is supposed to improve your pension, but the computer tools are not yet ready to apply it. What to do in this complex situation?

Delays in the pension reform on September 1, 2026

The pension reform, in effect since September 2026, aims to recalculate mothers’ pensions based on their 24 best earning years, or 23 for those with at least two children. However, the general scheme’s computer tools are not yet adapted to integrate these changes, hence a temporary calculation based on 25 years.

Philippe Bainville, an expert at the National Old-Age Insurance Fund (Cnav), explained that this choice was made to avoid delaying the first payments, even if it means temporarily lower amounts for beneficiaries. The system update and pension recalculation are planned for the second quarter of 2027.

Notifications and processing of files by Cnav

The notifications sent to new retirees continue to use the old calculation method. Philippe Bainville justifies this choice by the need to avoid delays in processing files. The reform decrees were published late, while preparations for September departures were already underway.

The funds have therefore chosen to calculate pensions according to the old rules to avoid payment interruptions, pending the implementation of new computer systems.

Implications for retirees and actions to take

For the affected retirees, this means a potentially lower pension amount for several months. Philippe Bainville assures that all pensions will be recalculated automatically without any necessary intervention. However, he encourages insured individuals to check the details of their pension and contact their fund for any explanation.

In case of disagreement on the pension details, it is possible to appeal to the amicable appeal commission within two months of the notification. However, no contestation is required for the delay in integrating the new rule, as the catch-up will be done automatically.

Expected changes for the second quarter of 2027

By spring 2027, all pensions should be recalculated according to the new rules, with a catch-up of the amounts due. Insured individuals can expect an increase in their monthly pension, although the extent of this increase will vary depending on individual careers.

Philippe Bainville specifies that insured individuals do not need to take any steps to benefit from this catch-up. However, if no changes are observed after the scheduled date, he recommends contacting the fund for verification.

Perspectives of the Retirement Insurance after the implementation of the reform

While Cnav strives to update its systems and regularize pensions, it is also preparing other adjustments planned by the reform. New measures, such as early departures for long careers, require a reorganization of priorities and resources.

Insured individuals can expect continuous developments in the coming months. The Retirement Insurance is committed to providing the necessary information and supporting its beneficiaries during this transition.

Impact of reforms on the pension sector in France

The pension reform is part of a broader context of renovating the pension system in France. The challenges are multiple: ensuring better equity, guaranteeing the system’s sustainability, and adapting to demographic and economic changes. Institutions such as the National Old-Age Insurance Fund and Agirc-Arrco play a crucial role in this transformation.

In this context, monitoring developments is essential for beneficiaries, but also for economic and political actors. The debates around pension reform, often polarizing, will continue to shape the future directions of the system.

FAQ: Understanding the pension reform and its implications

What are the main changes brought by the 2026 pension reform?

The reform allows mothers to have their pension calculated on their 24 best earning years, or 23 with at least two children. It aims to improve the average annual income used to determine the basic pension.

Why is the pension calculation still using 25 years?

The computer systems are not yet adapted to the new rules. As a result, pensions are temporarily calculated over 25 years until the update scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

Do retirees need to take any steps to benefit from the recalculation?

No, the recalculation of pensions will be automatic and requires no intervention from beneficiaries. Insured individuals will be informed of the changes once they are made.

What to do if a pension seems incorrect after the regularization?

If you notice errors after the regularization, it is advisable to contact your fund for verification. A complaint letter can be sent if necessary to clarify the situation.

[New] 4 ebooks on digital marketing available for free download

Did you enjoy this article? Receive our next articles by email.

Other articles on the same topic: