CAF & Student Financial Aid – How to apply for housing subsidies

On caf.fr (the official website of the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales, CAF), you can:

1. Apply for and Manage Social Benefits

  • Housing assistance (Aide Personnalisée au Logement – APL or Allocation de Logement Sociale – ALS).
  • Family and child benefits (Allocations familiales, Prime de naissance)
  • RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active) for low-income individuals
  • Activity bonus (Prime d’activité) for workers with modest incomes
  • Disability aid (AAH – Allocation Adulte Handicapé)

2. Access and Track Your Payments

• View benefit amounts and payment history

• Update personal and banking information

3. Submit Documents and Requests Online

• Upload necessary documents for benefit applications

• Report changes in your situation (income, address, family status)

4. Simulate Your Eligibility

• Use the benefit simulator to see if you qualify for financial aid

5. Contact CAF and Find Local Agencies

• Send messages to CAF

• Locate the nearest CAF office

Anyone living in France can apply for CAF benefits, but eligibility depends on factors like income, family situation, and residency status. Here’s a breakdown of who can apply:

Who Can Apply for CAF Benefits?

  • French Citizens – Automatically eligible if they meet income and family requirements.
  • EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals – Can apply without restrictions if they live and work in France.
  • Non-EU Nationals – Must have a valid residence permit and live in France permanently.
  • Students (French & Foreigners) – Eligible for housing aid (APL), even if they have no income.
  • Workers & Job Seekers – May receive benefits like RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active) or Prime d’Activité.
  • Families & Single Parents – Can receive family allowances (allocations familiales), childcare aid, and birth grants.
  • People with Disabilities – May qualify for AAH (Allocation Adulte Handicapé) or other disability-related support.

Who Cannot Apply for CAF Benefits?

  • Tourists and short-term visitors
  • People without legal residence in France
  • Those earning above the income thresholds for certain benefits

Save time by checking our materials on bureaucracy.

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