Estimate your French unemployment benefit (Allocation d'aide au Retour à l'Emploi) based on your last salary and work history.
How is French unemployment benefit (ARE) calculated?
The ARE is based on your SJR (daily reference wage). Two formulas are used: (1) 40.4% of SJR + €13.11/day, or (2) 57% of SJR. The higher result applies. The minimum is €31.59/day and the maximum is 75% of SJR. Monthly estimates use 30.42 calendar days.
How long can I receive unemployment benefits?
Duration depends on your age and work history: Under 53: maximum 24 months. 53-54: maximum 30 months. 55+: maximum 36 months. The duration is roughly equal to your work period in the last 24 months (or 36 months for 53+).
What are the waiting periods before receiving ARE?
There are several waiting periods: (1) A 7-day fixed waiting period (délai d'attente). (2) A compensatory waiting period based on severance pay (différé d'indemnisation), up to 150 days. (3) Additional waiting period for supra-legal severance. Benefits start after all waiting periods expire.
What is the difference between ARE and ASS?
ARE (Allocation d'aide au Retour à l'Emploi) is the main unemployment benefit based on your salary. ASS (Allocation de Solidarité Spécifique) is a flat-rate benefit (~€18.17/day in 2025) for unemployed people who have exhausted their ARE rights and have worked at least 5 years in the past 10.
Compliance: This calculator uses official French tax rates for 2025. Results are indicative — for complex situations, consult a tax professional.
How France Travail calculates your ARE benefit after job loss
Who qualifies for unemployment benefit in France?
You must have worked at least 6 months (130 days or 910 hours) in the last 24 months (36 months if over 53). You must have been involuntarily unemployed — dismissed, made redundant, or your fixed-term contract ended. You must be registered with France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), be actively seeking work, and be physically able to work.
How is the ARE amount calculated?
The ARE (Allocation d'aide au Retour à l'Emploi) is the higher of two calculations: 40.4% of your daily reference salary plus €12.95 per day, or 57% of your daily reference salary. The daily reference salary is your average gross pay over the last 24 months. The minimum ARE is about €31.59 per day and the maximum is about €274 per day (roughly €8,200/month).
How long can you receive unemployment benefit?
The duration depends on how long you worked and your age. Under 53, you can receive up to 18 months. Between 53 and 54, up to 22.5 months. Over 55, up to 27 months. In areas with low unemployment (below 9%), these durations are reduced by 25%. So 18 months becomes 13.5 months in regions with strong job markets.
Is unemployment benefit taxable?
Yes. ARE is subject to income tax and is reported on your annual déclaration de revenus. France Travail withholds prélèvement à la source (pay-as-you-earn tax) from your monthly payment. Social charges are also deducted: 3% CSG contribution plus 0.5% CRDS. On a daily ARE of €60, about €2.10 is deducted for CSG/CRDS.
What is the différé d'indemnisation (waiting period)?
Before payments start, there are two waiting periods. The first is a standard 7-day carence. The second is a différé spécifique that depends on any severance pay (indemnités supra-légales) you received above the legal minimum. The différé is calculated by dividing the extra severance by 102.4, capped at 150 days. If your employer paid €5,120 above the legal amount, payments are delayed by 50 days.
Can you work part-time while receiving ARE?
Yes. France Travail allows you to combine ARE with part-time work (cumul ARE-salaire). Your ARE is reduced based on your earnings: 70% of your daily gross salary is deducted from your monthly ARE. If you earn €800 part-time, your ARE is reduced by €560 that month. This extends the total duration of your payments. You must declare your earnings each month.
What happens if you resign — can you still get ARE?
Normally, resigning (démission) disqualifies you from ARE. However, since 2019, you can receive ARE after resignation if you have a real and serious professional project (such as creating a business or retraining) approved by a commission. You must also have worked at least 5 years continuously. A rupture conventionnelle (mutual termination) is a better route — it gives full ARE rights.
DGFiP-Aligned: Based on 2025 DGFiP rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified expert-comptable (chartered accountant).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current French tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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