You will be subject to French Social Security legislation once you start work in France, so you will be liable for contributions to the unemployment, pensions and sickness (including health care) schemes. Your French employer will need to obtain a Social Security number for you. In order to join the Social Security scheme you normally need to show your full birth certificate.

If you are receiving benefits in the UK and want to look for work in France, these may still be paid to you whilst you are in France, at least for a short period. Those receiving Jobseeker's Allowance and who have been registered as available for work for over 4 weeks may continue receiving benefit in France at the UK rates for up to 3 months. When you arrive in France, you need to register for work at your nearest office of the French Employment Service (Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi - known as ANPE). It would be wise to seek more information from the Benefit Agency in the UK before you go to France - they can advise you on your particular case and which forms you will need to complete. Be aware that there may still be a delay (sometimes up to 3 months) in the payment of your benefits.

For UK students in particular, the EHIC is well worth taking with you to France, as it gives you access to emergency medical treatment as part of EU Social Security arrangements. However, students who work in France may already pay into the French Social Security scheme, so they would be covered.