In France, all private sector employees contribute to the Arrco supplementary pension scheme throughout their careers. Executives also contribute to the Agirc scheme, building essential retirement savings alongside their basic pension.
These plans complement the basic pension from general social security for most private sector workers, Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) for agriculture, or profession-specific schemes.
Agirc and Arrco—governed equally by employer organizations and unions—fund pensions through contributions from employers and employees. Monthly, employers deduct proportional amounts from salaries, detailed on payslips, and remit them to basic and supplementary funds like Agirc and Arrco.
Unlike basic pensions, which earn quarters for validation periods, Agirc-Arrco contributions convert directly into retirement points.
From day one, Agirc-Arrco opens a personal account for each employee to track points. At retirement, total points multiplied by the point value determines your annual supplementary pension.
In 2016, Arrco points were valued at €1.2513, Agirc at €0.4352. You can buy up to 70 extra points per year of higher education (max 3 years): €5.4455 for Agirc, €15.6556 for Arrco.
Agirc-Arrco also awards points for unemployment periods following private sector work or incapacity (if compensated by basic schemes and Pôle Emploi).
Four months before retiring, apply for your basic pension via social security and supplementary via Agirc-Arrco. Points convert to monthly payments.
Official tools on Agirc-Arrco websites let you create a personal space for career statements and retirement simulators—track rights and forecast amounts anytime.
Review your statement to ensure all activity periods count. From age 45, request a free retirement information meeting with Agirc-Arrco experts for a personalized review.
