new caledonia pension system overview
The New Caledonia pension system centers on CAFAT social-insurance retirement benefits, with solidarity or minimum-income support for older residents who meet resource conditions. For international comparison, the important distinction is between the contributory or work-linked route and the social assistance route. The two routes can support the same older population, but they are funded, tested and calculated differently.
Contributory and work-linked pension route
CAFAT retirement pension is the main contributory or work-linked route in this profile. Contributory social-insurance pension linked to covered work and CAFAT insurance records. Eligibility depends on age, insurance duration, covered employment and CAFAT application rules. Employer and employee social contributions under New Caledonia social-security rules.
Social assistance and minimum support
Solidarity old-age support is treated here as the social assistance, minimum-income or non-contributory layer. Solidarity or minimum old-age support for eligible older residents with limited income. Eligibility depends on age, residence, resources and social-assistance rules. This support should not be counted as an accrued earnings-related pension.
Contributions, benefits and private saving
Employers and workers pay social contributions under CAFAT rules. Current rates and ceilings should be verified in CAFAT contribution guidance. CAFAT benefits depend on contribution record, earnings history and pension formula. Minimum support is assessed separately for low-income older residents. Employer and personal retirement saving may supplement public benefits, but coverage, tax treatment and investment risk vary by arrangement.
Tax, portability and next checks
Tax and social treatment depends on New Caledonia rules and on whether income is contributory pension, assistance or private retirement income. Portability depends on CAFAT rules, residence, coordination agreements and any French or regional social-security links. Readers should verify pension age, contribution records, residence rules, benefit amounts and any transitional reform directly with the listed official institutions.