CNAS death benefit minimum rises to 288,000 dinars (DZD)

In Algeria, the minimum death benefit paid by the National Social Insurance Fund (CNAS) to a worker's family has risen to 288,000 dinars (DZD) from 1 January 2026.

The rise follows an increase in the national minimum wage (SNMG) to 24,000 dinars (DZD) a month. Presidential decree 26-01 of 7 January set the new figure, which applies from 1 January.

How much is the benefit?

The death benefit is a single payment to the family of a person who dies. It is not a monthly pension or an advance on an inheritance.

Algérie 360 reported that the benefit is paid in one sum, straight after the death. It is meant to support families in the weeks that follow.

For an employee, the benefit equals 12 times the highest monthly salary paid in the year before the death.

Only the salary that the employer declared to the CNAS counts. An employer who declares lower wages reduces the family's rights, the report said.

The report also said the benefit cannot be lower than 12 times the minimum wage. This gives a minimum of 288,000 dinars (DZD) this year.

The report added that these 12 months are not guaranteed in every case, because the amount depends on the salary actually declared.

What about pensioners and injured workers?

For a pensioner, an invalid person or someone with a work injury annuity of at least 50%, the rule is different.

In these cases, the benefit equals 12 times the monthly pension or annuity. Citing the CNAS, the report said it cannot be below 75% of the minimum wage.

Who can claim?

The benefit goes to the worker's dependants: the spouse, dependent children and dependent parents. These are the same people covered by the worker's health insurance.

Children must be under 18 to count as dependants. The limit rises to 21 for children still studying, and for apprentices paid less than half the minimum wage.

There is no age limit for girls without income. The same applies to children who cannot work because of a disability or a chronic illness.

Parents of the worker or of the spouse can also qualify, subject to conditions.

Which fund pays?

The CNAS covers employees and pensioners. Self-employed workers belong to the National Fund for Non-Salaried Workers' Social Insurance (CASNOS), which pays its own death benefit under its own rules.

The family must apply to the fund the deceased paid into.

A survivor's pension is a separate monthly payment, paid by the National Retirement Fund (CNR), and is not part of the death benefit.