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In brief
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Duration: Deposit — 30 minutes; decision — 4 to 8 weeks
Cost: Free; amount according to income and composition of the household
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you are 25 years of age or older (or a child) and an income below the RSA ceiling
  • You if you are unemployed and want minimal support
  • You if you work but your income is below the ceiling (RSA additional activity)

To be prepared in advance

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  • Last year's tax notice (revenue justification)
  • Proof of domicile, identification
  • Contract France Travail (if registered), job search proof

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Check eligibility: 25 years or more (or younger with child or some cases), residence in France ≥ 3 months, income below the ceiling (~635 €/month for a single person + supplements for the family).
  2. 2Estimate the amount via the CAF simulator (caf.fr) — depending on the composition of the household, income, housing (l--APL does not count).
  3. 3Submit the application to the CAF online (caf.fr) or on paper (cerfa forms). Indicate resources, household composition, housing.
  4. 4The CAF investigates the file (~4 to 8 weeks). In the event of a favourable opinion — monthly payments from the date of opening of duties.
  5. 5Obligations: every 6 months, update the quarterly reporting of CAF resources. For persons under 25 years of age without a child, the obligation to seek employment (France Travail).
  6. 6If you work with a low income – the RSA complement of activity completes up to the ceiling. Occupational income tax return every quarter.
  7. 7Change in situation (employment, move, birth) — inform CAF within 30 days.
  8. 8The RSA can be combined with the APL, the CSS, the activity premium (for workers). Check all your rights.
  9. 9In case of refusal: possible recourse (claim to the CAF, then social security commission).

Common mistakes

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  • Do not drop by thinking "not the right" — check the simulator.
  • Do not update the quarterly declaration — delay or cessation of payments.
  • Do not report a change of situation — over-perceived, then unfair.
  • Believing the RSA = giving up work. This is support, including additional activity.
  • Do not take advantage of cumulation with APL/CSS — lost rights.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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Activity premiumCSS (free mutual)APL housing

Important remark

The amounts and conditions of the RSA change periodically. This information is indicative — for your case, use the CAF simulator.

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