How does an employee inform Horizons of a pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave in France?

If you're expecting a child and planning to take maternity leave in France, it's important to follow the correct process for notifying your employer. One of the key steps is sending a formal written letter to Horizons before your leave begins.

When should I notify Horizons?

You should inform Horizons of your intention to take maternity leave before the start of your leave. For most pregnancies, maternity leave typically begins:

6 weeks before the expected due date (for your first or second child)
8 weeks before the due date (for your third child or more)

It’s best to send your letter at least a few weeks before the start date of your leave to allow for proper coordination and processing. You can inform Horizons as soon as you are aware of your pregnancy and wish to share the information. Early notification will help us ensure the process runs smoothly.

How do I submit the notification?

You must notify Horizons in writing. This can be done by:

Sending an email to support@joinhorizons.com to inform us of your pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave.
Simultaneously sending a formal written letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception).

This formal written notice is required by French law and ensures that your maternity leave rights are activated.

What should the letter include?

Your maternity leave letter must include the following:

A declaration of pregnancy
The expected due date, supported by a medical certificate
The intended dates of maternity leave, including:
- Your planned start date
- Your expected return date
- Any adjustments to the standard leave schedule, if applicable (for example, reducing the pre-natal portion)

Why is this letter important?

Providing this letter:

Activates your legal protection as a pregnant employee in France
Enables Horizons to prepare for your leave and ensure proper payroll processing
Allows coordination with the French Social Security office (CPAM) for maternity compensation

Who pays during maternity leave?

During maternity leave in France, your salary is typically paid by the French Social Security system (CPAM) in the form of daily allowances (indemnités journalières). Horizons will declare your maternity leave to CPAM to initiate this process.

If you have at least one year of seniority with the company at the time your maternity leave begins, and depending on the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA), you may be eligible for salary maintenance by Horizons in addition to CPAM benefits. If you have not yet reached one full year of seniority, CPAM will be solely responsible for paying your maternity benefits.

For questions about payments or your entitlements, you may contact CPAM directly through ameli.fr, by phone at 3646, or by visiting your local CPAM office.

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