CAF is the French family benefits office. Depending on your situation, it may support housing, family expenses, or other social needs.

Common support

Many newcomers first hear about CAF through housing aid such as APL or ALS. Eligibility depends on your residence status, income, rent, and accommodation type.

Important update for international students in 2026

From 1 July 2026, non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss international students who are not scholarship holders are expected to lose eligibility for CAF housing aid such as APL or ALS. EU, EEA and Swiss students, and scholarship holders, should remain eligible if they meet the normal CAF conditions.

Read the full student update: CAF housing aid and student residence permits in 2026.

How to register

Create an account on caf.fr, enter your personal details, upload documents, and keep your declarations updated. If your income, address, family situation, or residence status changes, update CAF quickly.

Practical tips

Use the same spelling and personal details across documents. Save copies of every upload and message. If a request is unclear, ask for help before sending incomplete information.