New pensioners under the general scheme: more constrained departures for the most modest

Source: Studies and Results No. 940, November 2015

Author: Mélisande Chabanne

Reaching the statutory retirement age, health problems and dismissals are more decisive factors for pensioners under the general scheme who receive a low pension than for others when they leave. On the other hand, less restrictive factors such as reaching the full rate and the desire to take advantage of retirement for as long as possible influenced a quarter of pensioners with the highest pensions. The latter also put forward more reasons for departure than new retirees with the most modest pensions.

The majority of new low-pension pensioners are not in employment at the time of the liquidation of their entitlement. They are on average 62.5 years old on the date of departure, one and a half years older than other retirees. Many wait 65 years to retire in order to benefit from the full rate and the minimum contribution.

Among those still in employment prior to retirement and who said they had not left as soon as possible, those receiving a low pension further prolonged their activity for financial reasons. High-pension pensioners are more influenced by personal reasons: they have an interest more frequently in their jobs, they do not feel ready to become retired, etc.