urgent action Needed: Addressing Excessive Retirement Processing Times for French Citizens Abroad
To: The Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families
From: mr. Yan Chantrel
Date: August 7, 2025 (Published in Jo Senate, page 4421)
Subject: Delays in Processing Retirement Claims for French Nationals Residing Outside of France
This communication addresses the unacceptable delays experienced by French citizens residing abroad when applying for thier retirement benefits. With approximately 1.7 million French nationals registered for 2025, and a growing number entering retirement, timely access to earned benefits is crucial.
Despite France’s commitment to international conventions – actively managed by the Center for European and International Social Security links (Cleiss) – processing times currently average 24 months, creating significant hardship. This is notably problematic as individuals can only begin the application process six months before retirement. Adding to the delay, requests often pass through retirement services in the country of residence (typically processed in 1-3 months) before reaching french authorities.These extended delays force retirees to continue working, often without accruing further retirement benefits, and deny them access to rights they have rightfully earned. This undermines the purpose of the international agreements designed to protect them.
Significant Disparities Exist:
Processing times vary considerably depending on the geographic region and the responsible French fund (Carsat/CNAV). While Carsat Aquitaine (handling Spain) reports meeting quality standards, CNAV Île-de-France (handling Portugal, the United States, Quebec, and Canada) faces delays reaching 24 months.
CNAV Île-de-France attributes these delays to external factors and, critically, insufficient financial and human resources. While the 2023-2027 objectives and management agreement aims to reduce processing times, achieving these goals requires adequate funding and staffing.
request for Action:
The efficient operation of public services is paramount for all French citizens, irrespective of location. I urge you to take immediate and concrete action to significantly reduce these processing times, ensuring that our compatriots abroad can access their full retirement rights from day one.
Specifically, I request facts on the measures you intend to implement to address this urgent issue.
Status: Awaiting response from the Ministry of Labor,Health,solidarity and Families.
