Unemployment benefits: more flexible access conditions for some jobseekers

As a rule, to collect unemployment benefit for assistance in returning to work (ARE), you must have worked at least 6 months in the 24 months (or in the 36 months, if you are 55 years of age or older) preceding the end of your employment contract.

Since 1^er april 2026, “first-time job seekers” can benefit from the return-to-work assistance allowance if they have worked at least 5 months (108 days or 758 hours worked) during the 24 or 36 months, depending on their age, preceding the end of their employment contract.

“First-time job seekers” are unemployed workers who have never received unemployment insurance, or who have not received it for more than 20 years.

In order to receive the WFA, these jobseekers must also complete all other conditions of award requested from all persons deprived of employment (be registered with France Travail, search for a new job if they are considered immediately available job seekers, etc.)

The minimum duration of payment of the WFAA is set at 5 months (152 calendar days), for first-time job seekers who fulfill the derogating membership condition of 5 months of work. This minimum payment period is usually 6 months.

The calculation of the amount of the return-to-employment assistance allowance and the other arrangements for compensation (cumulation of ARE and employment, deferred compensation, etc.) are determined, for their part, under the same conditions as for other jobseekers.