How to go on sick leave in France
When you're too ill to work, your doctor issues an arrêt de travail (sick leave certificate) — a three-part form. Within 48 hours of receiving it, you must:
- Send parts 1 and 2 to your CPAM
- Send part 3 to your employer
Missing this 48-hour deadline without valid justification can result in reduced daily allowances for the late period. Always send by recorded post if you're not using the online declaration system.
The 3-day waiting period
CPAM daily allowances only start from the 4th day of sick leave. The first 3 days are a carence — a mandatory waiting period with no state payment. However, many collective agreements require your employer to maintain your salary during this period. Check your contrat de travail and convention collective.
How much do you receive?
CPAM pays:
- Days 4 to 28: 50% of your average daily gross salary (calculated over the 3 months before sick leave)
- From day 29 onwards: 66.66% for employees with 3 or more dependent children
There's a ceiling (based on the social security contribution ceiling). In 2026, the maximum daily allowance is approximately €52. Your employer may top this up depending on your contract and collective agreement — check your payslip during sick leave.
Medical checks: your obligations
CPAM can send a médecin-conseil to check on you at home. You must be present during your authorised leave hours (usually 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm, unless your doctor has prescribed "sorties libres" — free movement). If you're absent during a check without justification, your allowances can be suspended.
💡 If you need to go out during normally restricted hours (a medical appointment, a genuine emergency), notify CPAM in advance in writing — by secure message on ameli.fr or by letter.
Returning to work: therapeutic part-time
If you've recovered partially but can't work full-time yet, ask your doctor for a mi-temps thérapeutique prescription. This allows you to return part-time while continuing to receive partial CPAM allowances. It must be approved by CPAM before you start — don't return part-time without this authorisation or you lose your allowances.
Long-term sick leave: what changes after 6 months
After 6 months of continuous sick leave (an "affection longue durée" or ALD situation), you may be entitled to higher reimbursement rates for your medical care. Discuss this with your doctor and CPAM — having a condition officially recognised as an ALD provides significant financial relief.