CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is a French government agency that provides financial aid to residents to support housing, family, and social needs. It offers benefits like housing allowances (APL, ALF, ALS), family benefits for children (allocations familiales), and income support (RSA) for low-income individuals. CAF helps reduce living costs for families, students, and low-income residents, promoting social welfare. Eligible residents, including expats with legal residency, can apply via caf.fr or local CAF offices.
1. Documents You Need to Prepare
- Completed CAF application form (Cerfa N° 12038 for housing benefits, Cerfa N° 11423 for family benefits)
- Valid passport or ID (copy of identity and validity pages)
- Proof of residence in France (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or rent receipt)
- French bank details (RIB with IBAN)
- Social security number (or temporary number from CPAM)
- Proof of income (e.g., payslips, tax return, or Cerfa N° 2042)
- Birth certificates for children (translated into French if required)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, translated into French)
- Residence permit or long-stay visa (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
- Rental contract and rent receipts (for housing benefits)
- School enrollment certificate (for children, if applicable)
2. Criteria to Check If You Are Qualified
- Legal resident in France (183+ days/year)
- Valid residence permit or long-stay visa (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
- Income below CAF thresholds (varies by benefit, check simulateur.caf.fr)
- For housing benefits: Rent or own eligible housing in France
- For family benefits: Have at least one dependent child under 20
- Not receiving similar benefits from another country
- For students: Enrolled in French institution, under 28 for certain benefits
3. Website to Submit or Office to Go to in Person
- Submission: caf.fr (online portal, create account with social security number)
- In person: Local CAF office (find via caf.fr by entering postcode)
- Phone for inquiries: 32 30 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., French only)
4. Processing Time
- Application processing: 1–2 months
- First payment (if approved): 1–3 months after submission
- Varies by benefit type (housing, family, or others) and completeness of application
5. Next Steps
- Create account on caf.fr using social security number
- Submit application online or in person at local CAF office
- Provide additional documents if requested by CAF
- Track application status via caf.fr account
- Receive decision letter by mail or in caf.fr account
- Set up bank account for direct deposit of benefits
- Report changes (e.g., income, housing, family status) via caf.fr