In brief
- Family allowances concern families with at least 2 dependent children under 20 years old.
- The amount depends on income, the number of children, and their age.
- Residence in France is mandatory for the beneficiary and the children.
- The rules differ in overseas departments.
Who can apply
Conditions related to children
You must have at least 2 dependent children under 20 years old.
Residence conditions
You must have your habitual residence in France or stay in France for more than 9 months of the year (consecutive or not).
Your child must also reside in France. If the child leaves the country for more than 3 months, even alone, the allowances are suspended. However, they are maintained in the following situations:
- The child is staying abroad for studies or medical care in a neighboring country and returns regularly to their family (for example: the family lives in Alsace and the child studies at a German institution).
- The child is abroad to learn a foreign language, receive care, continue their studies, or vocational training (apprenticeship, etc.).
Conditions related to nationality and residency
If you are French: You must meet the residence conditions mentioned above.
If you are a foreigner: You must meet the residence conditions mentioned above. You must also fulfill certain conditions related to the regularity of your stay.
Steps
The process differs depending on whether you are under CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales) or MSA (Mutualité sociale agricole).
General case (CAF)
If you are already a beneficiary: CAF automatically grants family allowances as soon as it is informed of a second dependent child. You must declare the birth by sending a copy of the family record book or the child's birth certificate.
If you are not a beneficiary: You must fill out forms cerfa n°11423 and n°10397 and send them to your CAF. It is recommended to specify your place of residence before downloading the forms.
Agricultural scheme (MSA)
If you are already a beneficiary: MSA automatically grants family allowances as soon as it is informed of a second dependent child. You must declare the birth by sending a copy of the family record book or the child's birth certificate.
If you are not a beneficiary: You must register online on the MSA website via "My private space".
Documents
- Copy of the family record book or child's birth certificate (for the birth declaration).
- Forms cerfa n°11423 and n°10397 (for new CAF beneficiaries).
Cost
The application is free.
Deadlines
The amount of benefits depends on your income. The net taxable income for 2024 is taken into account for assessing your rights for the year 2026.
Amounts for 2 children
| Income | Base amount | Increase at 14 years (born before March 1, 2012) or 18 years (born after March 1, 2012) |
|---|---|---|
| €79,980 or less | €152.25 | + €76.13 only for the 2nd child |
| Between €79,980 and €106,604 inclusive | €76.13 | + €38.07 only for the 2nd child |
| More than €106,604 | €38.07 | + €19.03 only for the 2nd child |
Note: If you only have 2 dependent children, you will not receive an increase for the eldest.
Amounts for 3 children
| Income | Base amount | Increase per child |
|---|---|---|
| €86,644 or less | €347.32 | + €76.13 |
| Between €86,644 and €113,268 inclusive | €173.67 | + €38.07 |
| More than €113,268 | €86.83 | + €19.03 |
Amounts for 4 children
| Income | Base amount | Increase per child |
|---|---|---|
| €93,308 or less | €542.39 | + €76.13 |
| Between €93,308 and €119,932 inclusive | €271.20 | + €38.07 |
| More than €119,932 | €135.60 | + €19.03 |
Temporary flat-rate allowance (large family)
When a child reaches the age of 20, they cease to be counted as a dependent child. To mitigate the reduction in benefits for a family with at least 3 children, a temporary flat-rate allowance may be paid if the following conditions are met:
- The 20-year-old child must still live in the beneficiary's household.
- They must not receive a professional income exceeding a certain threshold (this information varies depending on the situation).
Pitfalls to avoid
- Forgetting to declare the birth if you are already a beneficiary; although the allocation is automatic, document submission remains necessary.
- Not checking the regularity of stay if you are a foreigner.
- Ignoring that allowances are suspended if the child leaves France for more than 3 months, except for specific exceptions (studies, care).
Official source
Fiche service-public.fr - Family allowances (family of 2 children or more)