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In brief
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Duration: Deposit — 30 minutes; decision — 2 to 4 weeks
Cost: Free (or with participation according to income)
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if your documents mention the CMU-C
  • You if your income is low and you need a free supplement
  • You if you want to understand the CMU-C transition → CSS

To be prepared in advance

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  • Last year's tax notice
  • Vital card/CPAM certificate
  • Proof of domicile, identification of home

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Understand: the CMU-C no longer exists — it is now the CSS. Similar conditions (low income, residence in France). See the css-demand guide for details.
  2. 2Check eligibility: income ceiling for free CSS (~9 542 €/year for one person, plus for one family, 2026).
  3. 3Apply to ameli.fr (online) or CPAM on paper. Indicate all members of the household.
  4. 4In case of a favourable opinion, choose a mutual from the CPAM list. The CSS lasts 1 year, then renewal (see the css-renewal guide).
  5. 5If you had the CMU-C before — it is automatically converted to CSS at renewal. No separate approach (unless CPAM data is not up to date).
  6. 6Use the CSS: paying third party, coverage of the rest, optical/dentary packages. Free (or with a participation for slightly higher incomes).
  7. 7In case of income change/composition — inform CPAM; this may affect eligibility.
  8. 8In case of refusal: recourse is possible, often linked to incorrect calculation of resources.

Common mistakes

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  • To believe that CMU-C still exists as a separate procedure. No — it's the CSS.
  • Do not update CPAM data in case of income change — loss of coverage.
  • Do not renew in time — rupture.
  • Do not use the paid third party — pay the rest, difficult to get reimbursed.
  • To believe the CSS reserved for citizens — for all residents with CPAM rights.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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CSS: requestCSS: renewalFree access to care

Important remark

The CMU-C is replaced by the CSS from 2019. This information is indicative — for your case, use the CPAM simulator.

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