ARTICLE · 04 NOVEMBER 2026

Sick Leave: Maximum Duration Of Sickness Benefits Reduced

Winston Taylor

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France has introduced significant reforms to long-term sick leave benefits, reducing the maximum payment period from three years to one year for non-exempting long-term conditions (ALD non exonérante) starting October 15, 2026. The changes also introduce new sanctions for unjustified sick leave while maintaining three-year coverage for serious conditions like cancer and diabetes.

FranceEmployment and HR

Sophie Dechaumet

Christophe Marie

Augustin Charoy

Two decrees dated September 16, 2026 (Nos. 2026-866 and 2026-867), published in the Official Journal on September 18, 2026, significantly amend the rules governing the payment of daily sickness benefits (IJ) to employees on long-term sick leave.

Adopted pursuant to the 2026 Social Security Financing Act, the reform reduces the period during which an employee may receive daily sickness benefits, introduces a new sanction for unjustified sick leave, and provides transitional rules for sick leave already in progress.

From three years to one year: Reduced benefit entitlement for certain long-term conditions

To understand the reform, it is important to distinguish between two categories of long-term conditions:

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