Preparing for retirement involves measuring the gap between the pension paid by mandatory schemes and the income level needed to maintain one’s standard of living. Since the Social Security Financing Law for 2026, the schedule for the 2023 reform has been partially suspended for certain generations, which alters the departure projections. Comparing savings options, checking one’s career statement, and anticipating regulatory changes helps establish a solid foundation.
Partial suspension of the reform: what changes for the 1964 to 1968 generations
The rollout of the 2023 pension reform, which planned a gradual increase in the legal retirement age and contribution duration, is suspended from September 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028 for individuals born between 1964 and 1968. This pause, included in the LFSS 2026, means that the legal retirement age and the insurance duration no longer follow the initial schedule during this period.
The rules for calculating the pension (full rate, discount, bonus) remain unchanged, however. A person born in 1965, for example, may potentially retire earlier than what was indicated in the 2023 texts, but the amount of their pension is still calculated based on the same parameters.
This situation makes online simulators temporarily less reliable for these generations. Before making any decisions, cross-referencing the results from the Info Retraite simulator with a retirement information interview (EIR) offered by the pension funds remains the safest approach. The resources available on www.la-revue-des-seniors.com also allow for tracking these regulatory developments over time.
Average pension and income gap: key data to know
According to DREES 2025, by the end of 2023, the average direct pension amounts to 1,666 euros gross per month for retirees residing in France. This figure masks significant disparities based on professional backgrounds, affiliation schemes, and gender.
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Average direct pension (end of 2023) | 1,666 euros gross/month |
| Suspension of reform (generations 1964-1968) | Sept. 1, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2028 |
| Progressive retirement | Significant increase in 2026 |
The gap between the last net salary and the first gross pension often exceeds several hundred euros. The higher the working income, the more pronounced the relative drop, as basic and supplementary schemes cap their benefits.
Progressive retirement: an underused lever that is booming
The number of workers benefiting from progressive retirement has doubled in 2026 compared to previous years. This scheme allows individuals to reduce their working hours while beginning to receive a portion of their pension, without waiting for the legal full-rate age.
The recent easing of access conditions explains this surge. For employees nearing retirement who wish to smooth the transition, progressive retirement offers a compromise between partial work retention and the start of pension benefits.
Retirement savings plan and investments: comparing the options
Three main options compete for retirement savings. Each responds to a different logic in terms of taxation, liquidity, and returns.
- The individual PER allows for the deduction of contributions from taxable income within limits. The capital is locked until retirement (except in cases of early release such as purchasing a primary residence), making it a long-term tool.
- Life insurance remains the most flexible option: withdrawals are possible at any time, taxation eases after eight years of holding, and the savings can be used for both retirement and other projects.
- Real estate investment (direct or via SCPI) generates regular supplementary income. The trade-off is lower liquidity and heavier management compared to financial investments.
The choice between these options depends on the marginal tax rate, investment horizon, and need for liquidity. A highly taxed taxpayer gains immediate tax benefits from the PER. Conversely, a saver in a moderate tax bracket will often find more interest in life insurance for its flexibility.
Career statement and missing quarters: a check not to delay
The individual situation statement (RIS) lists all rights acquired with each pension fund. An error or a missing quarter can significantly delay the departure date or reduce the pension amount.
The most common anomalies concern internship periods, undeclared student jobs, years abroad, or changes in status (employee to self-employed). Checking one’s RIS every five years starting at age 35 allows time to gather supporting documents and correct errors before applying for retirement benefits.
Child allowance: an evolving calculation
The rules for pension increases for mothers change starting September 2026. More than one in two women is affected by this modification, which impacts the calculation method for the quarters granted for maternity and education. The details of these new terms warrant personalized verification with one’s pension fund.
Preparing for retirement relies on three concrete checks: the accuracy of the career statement, the real impact of the reform suspension on one’s generation, and the alignment between the chosen savings options and one’s tax situation. The average pension figures remind us that the gap between working income and pension justifies additional savings, regardless of the chosen option.