There are several scenarios for 2026. During the Bayrou government, a “white year” project was planned: basic pensions were not revalued in order to save several billion euros.
Since the political transition, this idea has not been confirmed but is still being debated. If the current inflation-indexed rule remains in effect, a moderate increase of around 1.2% could take effect in January 2026, which would affect February payments.
Final decisions will be made in the fall of 2026, when votes on the budget and the Social Security Financing Act will be held.
A concrete example of influence
Let’s assume that a pensioner receives a basic pension of €1,000 and a supplementary pension of €600, i.e. €1,600 per month.
- January 2025: +2.2% to the basic pension = approx. +€22 per month or €264 per year.
- November 2025: +0.6 to +0.8% surcharge = +€3.60 to +€4.80 per month or €43 to €58 per year.
In 2025, this retiree would earn around €310–€320 more.
In 2026, a 1.2% increase in the basic pension would mean an increase of around €12 per month, or €144 per year. However, if another “tax-free year” were to occur, this increase would disappear.