Individuals who have served—or are currently serving—in overseas operations for the French Ministry of the Armed Forces may qualify for a dedicated veteran's pension. This benefit supplements other occupational pensions and is generally available from age 65, or in certain cases, from age 60.
Veterans who served France in foreign military operations, including participants in the World Wars, the Korean War, Indochina, Algeria, or combat in North Africa, can obtain a Combatant's Card.
This card grants status with the National Office for Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG), a public body under the Ministry of the Armed Forces. As the organization notes, it "provides access to administrative assistance, resource-based financial aid during difficulties, and support for professional retraining."
The Combatant's Card also entitles holders to the Combatant's Pension starting at age 65. This is not a standard occupational pension but an annual benefit from the Ministry for Veterans Affairs, recognizing national gratitude.
In specific cases, it can start at age 60 if, alongside the Combatant's Card, you receive: the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA) for low-income retirees; a Military Invalidity Pension (PMI) under the Code of Military Invalidity Pensions and War Victims (CPMIVG); a pension for at least 50% disability plus Adult Disability Allowance (AAH), Compensatory Allowance, Social Assistance Allowance, Special Old-Age Allowance (ASV), Allowance for Old Salaried Workers (AVTS), or ASPA; or reside in an overseas department or collectivity (no longer applicable since January 1, 2021).
This pension complements other retirement benefits. Its amount is excluded from income calculations for taxes and veterans' social assistance eligibility.
Paid annually until death but disbursed every six months, it totals 757.64 euros per year.
The benefit is personal and non-transferable to a spouse upon the beneficiary's death.
Combatant's Card holders should apply via the issuing ONACVG office in the month before turning 60 or 65, as applicable.
Use form Cerfa n°10860*04, downloadable from the ONACVG website, with required documents.
French nationals: photocopy of ID, Vitale card or certificate, and Combatant's Card (pre-2010 cards). Foreign nationals: birth certificate or French-translated civil status document. Recipients of military invalidity pensions or ASPA must include proof of payment.
Note: Holders of Combatant's Cards for Algeria service (1962-1964) use Cerfa n°15924*01.
