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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Request: 15 minutes online; answer: 2–4 weeks
Cost: Free
Possible online

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • You if you work but your income is low (around SMIC or below)
  • You if you are independent/student/student and look for a supplement
  • You if you get the RSA and get back to work — the full activity bonus

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • 3 Income Tax Return Last Month (Quarterly Report CAF)
  • Last year's tax notice
  • CAF account with an individual number (or create one)

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Check eligibility: age >18 years, professional activity (employee, self employed student ≥95 h/month, apprentice, trainee). And resources under ceiling — no strict threshold, but more favorable around the SMIC.
  2. 2Simulation: on caf.fr or service-public.fr, enter income, home composition. The amount depends on income, family composition, property.
  3. 3Apply: online on caf.fr (special area → "Request a service" → "Activity premium") or on service-public.fr. Cerfa 15415*01 (if on paper) or online form.
  4. 4Quarterly return: every 3 months, update your income online at caf.fr. The CAF recalculates the amount. Due date: before the 25th of the month following the quarter (e.g. April 25th for January-March).
  5. 5Calculation: formula = (flat-rate amount × 61 %) - (income × 22 %) + bonus (if work ≥ 766 €/month). For a bachelor at SMIC — — — 650 €/month. A couple receives more (tax shelter).
  6. 6Cumulation: compatible with RSA, AAH, family allowances, APL. But reduce other benefits if cumulation exceeds the ceiling. Do not impact the vital map or the right to social housing.
  7. 7In case of income change (loss of employment, new employment): update the quarterly return. The CAF may perform retroactive regularization (overpayment or supplement).
  8. 8Students: You can collect the activity bonus if you work ≥95 hours/month AND with a self-employed accommodation (or dependent child). For family students — less favourable conditions.
  9. 9Self-employed: based on professional income (BIC/BNC after deduction). Reporting on net-urssaf or MSA via quarterly reporting.
  10. 10Asylum seekers: NOT eligible (residence permit and regularity required). Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection — yes.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Do not file an application thinking "it pays little" — even €100/month are useful.
  • Failure to report on a quarterly basis — suspension of payments — must be revived.
  • Report incorrect income (e.g. gross instead of net) — overpayment, refund required.
  • To believe that the activity premium is harmful to naturalization or residence permit — it is a social right, without consequences for immigration.
  • Do not simulate after a change in income — you can collect less than the amount owing.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
CAF: family allowancesRSA: conditionsFamily Section

Important remark

The activity premium is governed by the Social Security Code (L841-1 et seq.). Indicative information; simulation and calculation on caf.fr.

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