How does progressive retirement work for liberals?

Question to an expert

I work as a freelancer, under what conditions can I obtain my progressive retirement and how will it be calculated?

The latest pension reform allowed liberal professions to access progressive retirement, from 1^er January 2024. This system allows you to reduce your working time while receiving part of your pension(s).

The conditions to benefit from it are of the same nature as those requested of employees. You must be two years or less from your legal retirement age – it varies depending on the generation -, have an insurance period of at least 150 quarters and keep 40% to 80% of your previous income. Another condition, exclusively carry out a liberal activity.

The reduction in income, calculated each year on 1^er July, corresponds to the ratio between the income of the previous year and the average of that of the five years before progressive retirement.

Supplementary pension

Liberals can only start phased retirement on 1^er January. For the first eighteen months, they will automatically receive 50% of the amount of their entire pension, on a provisional basis. If this 50% does not correspond to their level of reduction in activity, they will have to repay the overpayment, which will be deducted from the following installments. Conversely, they will receive a retirement supplement.

Please note, most liberal professions funds do not allow you to receive the supplementary pension portion during gradual retirement. You must contact your plan to check, before starting.