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. Criteria to Check If You Are Qualified
- Legal resident in France
- 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 (at least 9 m² for a single person)
- The landlord is not a parent, child or grandparent
- 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
- New in 2026: most non-EU students without a scholarship lose eligibility
2. Documents You Need to Prepare
- Valid passport or ID (copy of identity and validity pages)
- Residence permit or long-stay visa (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
- Proof of residence in France (e.g., utility bill, or rent receipt)
- Rental contract (for housing benefits) and a rent attestation.
- French bank details (RIB with IBAN)
- Proof of income (e.g., payslips, tax return) for workers
- Birth certificates for children (translated into French if required)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, translated into French)
- School enrollment certificate for students
3. Website to Submit or Office to Go to in Person
- Visit caf.fr and create an account.
- From the drop-down menu of My Account, select “Simulate or request a service.”
- Follow the instructions to fill out your application.
- Upload the required documents.
- 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: 1–4 months
- First payment (if approved): 1–5 months after submission
- Varies by benefit type (housing, family, or others) and completeness of application
5. Next Steps
- Provide additional documents online if requested by CAF
- If you receive a letter requesting a document, please submit the document by mail even if you have uploaded it online.
- Please also check your application status regularly through your caf.fr account, as notifications requesting additional documents may not always be sent to you by text or email.
- Receive the decision letter by mail or in caf.fr account
- Your entitlement starts the month after you submit the application. The first actual payment lands 1-2 months later.
- Update your employment status or financial resources every three months via caf.fr
- Report changes (e.g., income, housing, family status) via caf.fr
- To renew, you have to mail a copy of the new residence permit if the last one expires.
FAQ
Yes. You do not need to have a job in France or be a student to qualify for CAF. People of any nationality can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements:
1. Hold a valid residence permit (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
2. Have a signed lease in your name (not a shared lease).
3. Live in accommodation that meets the minimum housing standards.
4. Have income below the applicable eligibility threshold.
5. Have a French bank account for CAF payments.
Note: Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee that you will receive CAF, as the amount and eligibility also depend on factors such as your income, household situation, and the type of accommodation.