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Procedure · Family and benefits
Declaring your pregnancy before the end of week 14, telling your employer in writing, knowing exactly how long your leave lasts (16, 26, 34 or 46 weeks depending on your situation) and what you can move: step by step, with the letter to send.
[Prénom Nom] [Adresse] [Nom de l'entreprise] [Adresse de l'entreprise] [Ville], le [date] Lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception (ou remise en main propre contre récépissé) Objet : congé de maternité Madame, Monsieur, Je vous informe que je suis enceinte et que la date présumée de mon accouchement est le [date présumée d'accouchement], comme l'atteste le certificat médical ci-joint. Je serai absente au titre de mon congé de maternité du [date de début du congé] au [date de fin du congé]. [Facultatif : Avec l'avis favorable du professionnel de santé qui suit ma grossesse, je reporte une partie de mon congé prénatal sur mon congé postnatal ; mon congé débutera donc le [nouvelle date de début] et prendra fin le [nouvelle date de fin].] Je vous remercie de bien vouloir prendre note de ces dates. Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. [Signature] Pièce jointe : certificat médical de grossesse
Letter template to tell your employer about maternity leave (in French): replace each part in square brackets, proofread, date and sign. The letter is in French because it goes to a French employer or administration.
Nego follows the checked steps on this page, does the calculations with the site's tools and drafts your letters. It does not replace the administration: the procedure is completed on the official service.
No. Throughout the leave, and during any paid holiday taken straight after it, protection is absolute: no dismissal, even for gross misconduct. During the following 10 weeks, dismissal is only possible for gross misconduct or if it is impossible to keep your contract for a reason unrelated to maternity.
If the baby is premature, the total length does not change: prenatal leave is shortened and postnatal leave lengthened by the same amount; if the baby is born more than 6 weeks early and must be hospitalised, the leave is extended. If the birth is late, prenatal leave lasts until the birth, without reducing postnatal leave.
Yes, if the baby stays in hospital more than 6 weeks after the birth: you can go back to work and postpone the unused part of your postnatal leave until the end of the hospital stay. Send the request to your fund with proof; this postponement cannot be refused.
Yes, and without notice: the contract ends immediately. Ideally tell your employer by recorded-delivery letter to avoid any dispute. Special rules apply if you resign after the birth to bring up your child.
Open since 1 July 2026 for children born since 1 January 2026: each parent can take, after their maternity or paternity leave, 1 or 2 months of leave paid by the fund (70% of net salary in the 1st month, 60% in the 2nd, up to a ceiling). It must be taken within 9 months of the birth (by 31 March 2027 for a child born between January and June 2026). Tell your employer 1 month ahead by recorded-delivery letter or one handed over against a receipt; they pass the request on to the fund.
Yes, maternity daily benefit is taxable and is declared with your salary.
Rules checked on 27 October 2026 against the sources above. This page explains the procedure; it replaces neither the administration nor legal advice.
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