Are you becoming a parent this year? Good news: a new scheme is being added to existing leave. Additional birth leave, in force since 1 January 2026, will allow parents to spend more time with their child.
CNAM (National Health Insurance Fund) has announced the practical outlines of this new leave, pending publication of implementing decrees. Here is what you need to know to plan ahead.
Who can benefit from this new leave?
The first question you probably ask: does this apply to me? The answer depends on two main criteria.
The child's date of birth or arrival
To be eligible, you must be the parent of a child:
- Born from 1 January 2026
- Arrived in the household from 1 January 2026(in case of adoption)
- Born prematurelybut whose birth was expected from 1 January 2026
If your child was born in December 2025, even by a few days, you are unfortunately not covered by this new scheme.
A prerequisite condition
Note: this additional leave is not an "extra" leave added without conditions. To qualify, you musthave used up your rightsto the following leave:
- Maternity leave
- Paternity leave
- Child welcome leave (for adoptions)
In other words, this additional leave takes over once the "standard" leave is finished. It is an extension of time with your child, not a replacement.
All parents are covered
Important point: this scheme is widely open. The following are covered:
- The child's mother
- The biological father
- The mother's spouse, cohabiting partner or civil partner,even if not the biological father
This inclusive definition allows all types of families to benefit from this new right.
When can you benefit?
This is where things get a little complicated. Although the schemeentered into force on 1 January 2026, it will only beaccessible from 1 July 2026.
Why the delay? We must wait for implementing decrees setting out practical arrangements for taking the leave and details of compensation.
If you are expecting a child in the first half of 2026, you will therefore need to wait a few months before you can actually use this new leave. Plan accordingly.
How to inform your employer?
Application arrangements are already known. Here is what you will need to do to notify your employer.
The notice period to respect
You must inform your employerat least 1 month beforethe intended start of leave. Bear this in mind when discussing your return after maternity or paternity leave.
Information to provide
Your request must specify:
- The intended start dateof the additional leave
- The durationyou wish to take
The 2-month leave case
If you choose a 2-month duration, additional information is required: you must indicatewhether you wish to split this leave or not.
Splitting may be useful if you prefer to alternate periods with your child and a gradual return to work. Implementing decrees will probably set out the exact splitting arrangements.
How much will you receive?
Let's talk money. Compensation for this additional leave follows specific rules, different according to your status.
For employees
Compensation iscalculated on your previous net salary, up to the monthly social security ceiling (€4,005 from 1 January 2026).
The compensation level is degressive:
- 1st month: 70% of your net salary
- 2nd month: 60% of your net salary
In practical terms, if you earn €2,500 net per month, you will receive about €1,750 the first month and €1,500 the second. A drop in income to factor into your budget, but still more favourable than standard parental education leave.
If your salary exceeds the social security ceiling (€4,005), compensation will be calculated on that ceiling, not your actual salary.
For self-employed workers
Are you an entrepreneur, craftsperson, retailer or liberal professional? You are not forgotten.
The flat-rate daily allowance paid to you will be subject tothe same reductionas for employees. In other words, you will also receive 70% then 60% of your reference compensation according to the month.
Precise calculation details for the self-employed will probably be refined in forthcoming implementing decrees.
What implementing decrees will clarify
Several points remain open and will be clarified when decrees are published:
- Exact arrangements for splitting leave
- Any waiting periods
- Detailed administrative procedures with the CPAM
- Special cases (multiple births, specific situations)
Stay alert to official announcements in the coming months, notably on ameli.fr.
How to prepare now?
Even if the scheme will only be accessible in July, you can already take some steps.
Check with your employeron its parental leave policy. Some companies top up statutory compensation.
Anticipate the financial impactby calculating what compensation at 70% then 60% of your salary would mean for your household budget.
Discuss with your partnerhow to share the leave between you, if you are both eligible.
Watch for publication of decreesto know the exact arrangements before making your formal request.
Key takeaways
- Additional birth leave coverschildren born or arriving from 1 January 2026
- It applies after maternity, paternity or welcome leave has been used up
- All parentsare eligible: mother, biological father, mother's spouse/partner
- The scheme will beaccessible from 1 July 2026
- Notice period:minimum 1 monthbefore intended start
- Compensation:70% of net salary in month 1, 60% in month 2(capped at €4,005)
A child's arrival always disrupts family and work organisation. This new leave offers additional flexibility for those precious first months. Questions about your rights as a parent entrepreneur? Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss.