Code de la Securite Sociale (Social Security Code)

Introduction

The Code de la Securite Sociale codifies French social security law. The Code establishes the comprehensive social insurance system covering health insurance, old-age pensions, family benefits, and workplace accidents.

Branches of Social Security

The French social security system has four main branches: maladie (health insurance covering medical costs and maternity), vieillesse (old-age pensions), famille (family benefits including child allowances and housing assistance), and accidents du travail (workplace accidents and occupational diseases).

Health Insurance

The Assurance Maladie provides universal health coverage. Patients typically pay medical costs upfront and receive partial or full reimbursement. The system is funded by employer and employee contributions and the Contribution Sociale Generalisee (CSG).

Pension System

The French pension system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. The general regime provides retirement benefits based on years of contributions and average earnings. Recent reforms have progressively raised the retirement age and modified contribution periods.