The Family branch of the Social Security system is an actor of national solidarity that accompanies families in their daily lives. One of its main missions is to provide family benefits to help families support the costs of raising children. To be eligible for family benefits, there are certain conditions related to having children and resources, but also residency requirements that need to be met.
To receive family benefits, you must reside in France, as well as your children if you have their custody on a regular basis. If you are a foreigner who is not a national of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you must justify the regularity of your stay in France and the regular entry into France of your children if they were born abroad.
There are two types of benefits funded by the family branch of the Social Security system and paid by the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales and the Caisse de Mutualité Sociale Agricole: maintenance benefits and dedicated benefits.
Maintenance benefits include family allowances, which are paid to individuals with at least 2 children under 20 years old in their care. The parent must carry out certain steps with their local CAF office. The amount of the allowance is adjusted based on the income of the beneficiary and the number of dependent children. An age allowance is paid under certain conditions when the child reaches a certain age. Family allowances are paid on a monthly basis. Other maintenance benefits, such as the family supplement or the family support allowance, can also be paid if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Dedicated benefits include the Back-to-School Allowance, which is intended to cover part of the costs related to the start of the school year, and the Complement de Libre Choix du Mode de Garde, which can be granted to have your children cared for when they are under the age of 6.
It is recommended to check with the local CAF office to know which benefits you are eligible for and the specific steps to take to apply.