Family Allowances 2026: Age Increase Delayed to 18 Years

Family Allowances in France: What's Changing in 2026

France operates one of Europe's most extensive family benefit systems, managed primarily through the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) and covering everything from birth bonuses to school allowances. One significant change taking effect in 2026 concerns the age supplement (majoration pour âge) applied to family allowances — and understanding it requires knowing how the broader system works. Explore our banking section for more financial information.

The 2026 Change: Age Supplement Threshold Pushed Back

Under the previous system, families received an increased allocation once a child reached the age of 14 — specifically, the base allocation amount increased by 50% for each child from their 14th birthday until they turned 20. This was designed to recognize the higher costs associated with older children: clothing, school fees, extracurricular activities, and so on.

The 2026 reform changes this for children born from January 1, 2025 onwards:

Old system (children born before 2025): Age supplement (majoration) applies from age 14. The base allocation increases by about 50% at 14.

New system (children born from 2025): The supplement threshold is raised to 18. Families receive the standard allocation from birth to 18, with no age-based increase before 18. After 18, the standard rules for older children (up to 20, if still in education and with income under 55% of the SMIC) continue to apply.

Financial Impact by Family Size

The change is most visible in families with children currently in the 14–17 age bracket — or rather, it will be most visible when today's young children reach that age. For planning purposes, here's the estimated monthly impact once the change applies:

Family Type	Old System (with 14+ supplement)	New System	Monthly Difference
2 children	€156.54	€141.99	-€14.55
3 children	€178.31	€161.95	-€16.36
4 children	€212.46	€193.15	-€19.31

Figures based on middle income bracket, 2026 rates. Amounts vary by income level.

The practical effect for most families is modest in the short term — the families most impacted are those who will have children born in 2025 entering adolescence around 2039. However, for financial planning purposes, it's worth understanding the long-term trajectory.

France's Family Benefit System: A Complete Overview

The French family benefit system (prestations familiales) is broader than just allocations familiales. Here's a guide to the main benefits:

1. Allocations Familiales (AF)

The core benefit, paid to families with at least two dependent children under 20. Key features:

**Income-tested since 2015**: Three income brackets determine the amount
**Full amount** (modeste income): approximately €141.99/month for 2 children (2026 rates)
**Half amount** (middle income bracket): approximately €70.99/month
**Quarter amount** (high income): approximately €35.50/month
An additional child adds progressively more to the total

Note: Families with only one child under 20 are not eligible for allocations familiales, though they may qualify for other benefits.

2. Complément Familial (CF)

A benefit for families with three or more children, all aged between 3 and 21 years. Conditions:

Household income must fall below a threshold that varies by family size
Amount in 2026: approximately €182.31/month (standard); €274.00/month (enhanced rate for very low incomes)
Paid monthly by CAF

3. Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire (ARS)

The back-to-school allowance, paid each August/September to families with school-age children (6–18 years). It is means-tested and designed to help cover back-to-school expenses.

**2025–2026 rates** (subject to annual revalorization):

Ages 6–10: approximately €395.02
Ages 11–14: approximately €416.59
Ages 15–18: approximately €430.81

Paid automatically to eligible families by CAF in August.

4. PAJE (Prestation d'Accueil du Jeune Enfant)

A suite of benefits for young children:

Prime de naissance (birth bonus): A one-time payment after the birth of a child. In 2025, the amount was approximately €1,066.31, subject to income conditions. Paid by CAF after declaration of birth.

Allocation de base: A monthly payment for families with children under 3 years old. Means-tested. Approximately €186.60/month (full amount) or €93.30/month (partial) in 2025, depending on income.

CLCA / PreParE: Parental leave supplement for parents who stop or reduce work to care for a child. Duration and amount depend on whether you're stopping work entirely or reducing hours, and how many children you have.

5. Allocation Journalière de Présence Parentale (AJPP)

For parents who must reduce or stop work to care for a seriously ill or disabled child at home. Paid for up to 310 days over 3 years. Amount: approximately €64.54/day (2025 figures) for a person in a couple.

Income Brackets and Thresholds for 2026

Family benefits in France use income-testing based on your revenu fiscal de référence (RFR) — the taxable income figure from your most recent tax assessment. The exact thresholds for 2026 depend on household composition:

For allocations familiales, the higher income bracket (quarter amount) applies above approximately €88,000 RFR for a family of two adults and two children, adjusted upward for each additional child
CAF updates thresholds annually each April; check CAF.fr for your specific situation

How to Apply: The CAF Process

All family benefits in France are managed through your local CAF (there is one per département). Here's the general process for English speakers navigating the system:

**Step 1: Create your CAF account**

Go to caf.fr and create an account (Mon Compte). You'll need your French tax number (numéro fiscal), social security number (numéro de sécurité sociale), and bank account details (RIB).

**Step 2: Declare your situation**

Enter your household composition (family situation, children, income, housing). CAF will calculate your entitlements automatically.

**Step 3: Provide supporting documents**

Typical documents include: birth certificates for all children, proof of income (tax notice), proof of address, RIB. Upload these through your CAF online account.

**Step 4: Receive your rights notification (notification de droits)**

CAF sends a letter confirming which benefits you're entitled to and the amounts. If you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to appeal (recours amiable, then recours contentieux).

**Step 5: Keep your information updated**

You must inform CAF of changes in your situation within specified time limits: change of address, change in income, child going to university, etc. Failure to update can result in overpayment recovery.

Payment Calendar

Family benefits are typically paid between the 5th and 9th of each month for the previous month. You can find your exact payment dates in your CAF online account. The ARS (school return allowance) is paid in August or early September.

2026 Revalorization

Family benefits in France are revalorized annually, typically in April. The 2026 April adjustment is expected to be approximately +0.9%, in line with inflation. This affects all base amounts described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Does the 2026 age supplement change affect my current children?**

Only children born from January 1, 2025 onwards are subject to the new rules. Existing children (born before 2025) continue to receive the age supplement at 14.

**I only have one child — am I entitled to anything?**

You won't receive allocations familiales, but may qualify for PAJE (if your child is under 3), ARS (if school age and income-tested), and potentially complément familial if your situation qualifies. Check your full entitlements via the CAF simulator.

**How long does a CAF application take?**

Processing times vary: initial registration can take 2–4 weeks. Some benefits are backdated to the date of the qualifying event (birth, etc.), so apply promptly.

**Can I receive French family benefits while working in France as an expat?**

Generally yes, if you are legally resident in France, employed or registered with social security, and your children live with you in France. Check eligibility with your CAF.

Sources

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personal advice. We recommend consulting a professional for any important decisions.