Pensions to Rise in 2023

In 2023, the National Old-Age Insurance Fund (Cnav) paid an average monthly pension of €814 to the 15.3 million retirees in the general pension system, before social security deductions.

This amount, which includes the individual pension, the survivor's pension, and supplemental benefits, increased by 1.75 percent compared to the previous year. However, despite this overall increase, disparities persist between men's and women's pensions.

Retired women receive, on average, a pension that is 21 percent lower than that of men. Their average pension is €729 per month, compared to €922 for men. This gender gap has not improved significantly compared to the previous year, highlighting the persistence of wage and career inequalities between the sexes.

For those who have contributed to the general pension system throughout their entire career, the average monthly pension is €1,215. However, even in this case, women are at a disadvantage, receiving a pension that is 13% lower than that of men—€1,128 per month, compared to €1,295.

Just over 4.6 million seniors—about 32 percent of those eligible for direct retirement benefits—receive the contributory minimum pension. This significant proportion underscores the importance of this safety net for retirees who have not contributed enough to qualify for a full pension.

Finally, the average age of Cnav retirees is slightly higher for women, who are 75.5 years old on average, compared with 74.1 years for men. This difference likely reflects the longer life expectancy of women in France.

These figures highlight trends and disparities in the French pension system in 2023. They underscore the need to continue efforts to reduce gender inequalities and ensure a decent retirement for all.