Assurance retraite (CNAV / Carsat) letter explained in English

Pension office. Runs the basic state pension for most private-sector workers. Your work years are recorded here.

Letters you may get

• Relevé de carrière — the list of your work years
• Estimation indicative globale — a forecast of your pension
• Notification de retraite — how much pension you get

What to do

• Check that all your work years, including jobs abroad, are on your record. You can see it online at info-retraite.fr.
• Find the deadline. Look for “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard”.
• Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
• If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”). See the template.

Words you may see

notification

Official delivery of a decision. Deadlines often start from this day.

Questions

What is the Assurance retraite (CNAV / Carsat)?

Pension office. Runs the basic state pension for most private-sector workers. Your work years are recorded here.

How long do I have to answer a letter from the Assurance retraite (CNAV / Carsat)?

It depends on the letter. Look for words like “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard” — they mark the deadline. In France, a deadline usually starts on the day you receive the letter — for a registered letter, often the day the post first tried to deliver it. The 3 days are only an estimate, so check the envelope or the delivery notice. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”).

Can I read a Assurance retraite (CNAV / Carsat) letter in English?

Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in French. Your letter never leaves your device.

Other offices in France

Finances publiques (DGFiP) · Trésor public / Service de gestion comptable · Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) · France Travail (ex Pôle emploi) · Préfecture / ANEF · OFII · Assurance Maladie (CPAM) · Mutuelle / complémentaire santé