Section actions
Duration: If automatic: nothing to do; if request: 10 minutes online
Cost: Free
Possible online
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if you have a 6–18 year-old child and get the CAF
- If you want to know if the ARS is granted to you according to your income
- You if your child enters college/lycée and you need funds for supplies
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Last year's tax notice (reference tax income)
- School certificate of the child (automatic for 6–15 years, quarterly for 16–18 years)
- CIF account (on caf.fr) with beneficiary number
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Check your rights: reference tax income below the threshold (for 2025 — €27,527 for a couple with 2 children in metropolitan France, plus €6,159 per additional child). Simulation on caf.fr.
- 2If you already receive the CAF (family allowances, activity allowances, etc.) and the income is below the threshold — the ARS is automatically paid in August. No requests to file.
- 3If the CAF does not pay you any benefits — apply for ARS online on caf.fr ("Request a benefit"). Attach the school certificates.
- 4For children aged 6–15: the CAF automatically considers them to be in school on the basis of data from the National Education. No parts to supply.
- 5For 16–18 years: confirm enrolment every 3 months — online on caf.fr (form "School certification"). Without confirmation, the ARS is suspended.
- 6The amount is paid to the IBAN account indicated to the CAF (usually the same as for other benefits). Deadline: before September 1 (generally August 20–30).
- 7If the income exceeds the threshold — partial ARS (degressive scale). The simulation on caf.fr gives the exact amount.
- 8Differentiated ARS: if your child is in vocational college/lycée with specific equipment (informatics, hospitality) — some regions and departments offer additional support. Check the website of the Departmental Council.
- 9In case of relocation or change of schooling (e.g. family education, private school out of contract): update your status on caf.fr. Private school under contract — eligible for ARS; out of contract — no.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Do not confirm the school certificate for 16-18 year olds — suspension of payment.
- Believing that private out of contract is equivalent to under contract: the ARS only applies to contract or public.
- Do not file an ARS application with the first child entering school — even if you receive other benefits, check the automatic payment.
- Believing income above threshold = 0: the ARS is partially paid on a declining scale.
- Do not check IBAN — funds may arrive in an old account.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The ARS is governed by the Social Security Code (L543-1 et s.). Indicative information; exact amounts and thresholds on caf.fr.
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