French government seeks to cut sick leave costs by 2 billion euros

Employees in the private sector are generally eligible for daily sickness benefits (IJ) from the fourth day of absence, capped at 50% of their base daily salary, up to a maximum of 49.27 euros gross per day as of July 2026. Several conditions must be met to qualify, and benefits cease after one year of sick leave. Alternative solutions like therapeutic part-time work, professional retraining, or job adaptation may then be considered.

Public sector employees, including civil servants, are entitled to 90% of their usual income for the first three months of sick leave, followed by 50% for the subsequent nine months, after a one-day waiting period. Contractual public employees require a minimum of four months’ seniority to be eligible for administrative compensation; otherwise, they may be eligible for daily sickness benefits from the national health insurance, provided they meet certain criteria.

Self-employed individuals, including artisans, merchants, and those in liberal professions, can also receive daily sickness benefits, subject to conditions. The amount is 50% of the declared annual income, with ceilings and a three-day waiting period. Affiliation for at least 12 months in the non-salaried activity is also required. The maximum daily benefit for liberal professionals is capped at approximately 197.51 euros, while for artisans and merchants, it’s 65.84 euros.