Key points in 30 seconds
- Get your APS and open a bank account ().
- Run a simulation on .fr.
- Apply online, declaring all children and your housing.
The procedure at a glance
Family allowance (2+ children)
Paid when you have two or more dependent children under 20 living in France. The amount depends on the number of children and household income, with a top-up from age 14. Apply online at .fr with the APS, birth certificates and a .
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
housing aid
(or /) helps pay rent with a lease, a sublet agreement or a residence contract in a shelter. The landlord must be declared; free lodging with friends does not qualify. Run a simulation on .fr first.
Common mistake
Not reporting a job or move — overpayments are reclaimed.
ARS back-to-school payment
The allocation de rentrée scolaire is paid in August for each child aged 6–18 under an income ceiling. Automatic for ages 6–15 if knows the child; for 16–18, confirm schooling in your online account.
Common mistake
Waiting for a before a doctor visit: PMI sees children straight away.
PMI, free for under-6s
A department service: paediatric check-ups, vaccines, growth monitoring, breastfeeding support and pregnancy follow-up. Free, with no and no wait for rights. Find centres on your department's website or at the town hall.
Common mistake
Applying for without a contract with the landlord.
Allocataire number and online account
After registration, assigns an allocataire number. Use it on .fr and the " – Mon Compte" app to report changes and download the attestation de paiement for school, town hall and .
Step by step
- 1Get your APS and open a bank account ().
- 2Run a simulation on .fr.
- 3Apply online, declaring all children and your housing.
- 4Upload APS, birth certificates, lease and .
- 5Register children under 6 at the nearest PMI centre.
- 6Answer 's quarterly income declarations.
- 7Download the attestation de paiement for town hall rates.
Refused or missed a deadline: what to do
Appeal deadlines run from the day you receive the decision — keep letters and envelopes.
refused or cut a benefit
Within 2 months, write to your 's Commission de recours amiable (CRA), online or by registered letter. This step is mandatory before court.
Asked to repay (indu)
If you disagree, same CRA within 2 months. If you agree but cannot pay, ask for instalments or a debt waiver (remise de dette) explaining your income.
Change reported late
Report it now via “Déclarer un changement” and explain the delay in writing to limit the overpayment.
Legal basis checked 26/10/2026service-public.gouv.fr — Médiateur de la Caf
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- APS of every household member
- Children's birth certificates (translated if requested)
- Lease or sublet agreement, rent receipt
- of a French account
- Income details (wages, ADA)
- Email address and French phone number
FAQ
Where do I find my allocataire number?
In 's letter after registration, in your .fr account and in the " – Mon Compte" app, at the top of the page.
Can ADA be combined with CAF benefits?
Family benefits and can be paid alongside ADA, but total income counts. Declare everything and check with and .
My claim was refused?
Write to the Commission de recours amiable within 2 months, attaching any missing documents.
Related guides
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