Child benefit in France (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: France pays allocations familiales from the second child, with the amount set by three income bands. Children count as dependants under 20. The Caf (or the MSA) pays them.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Amount of child benefitChild benefit | Allocations familiales are paid monthly from the second child, by income band. For 2 children: €152.25 (resources up to €79,980), €76.13 (up to €106,604) or €38.07 above that. For 3 children: €347.32, €173.67 or €86.83. For 4 children: €542.39, €271.20 or €135.60. A top-up is paid when a child born from 1 March 2012 turns 18. [1] |
| Age limit for the childChild benefit | The family needs at least 2 dependent children under 20. A child stops counting as a dependant at 20. [1] |
| Residence conditionChild benefit | Usual residence in France, or a stay in France of more than 9 months a year. The child must also live in France: payment is suspended if the child is away more than 3 months, with exceptions for study, care or language stays. Foreign nationals must also have a regular right of stay. [1] |
| Income testChild benefit | Yes. The amount falls in three bands according to income. The net income of 2024 is used to decide rights for 2026. [1] |
| Where to claimChild benefit | The family allowance fund (Caf), or the MSA for the agricultural scheme. The Caf pays automatically once it knows of a second child; a family not yet registered files forms cerfa 11423 and 10397. [1] |
Sources
- Service-Public.fr (Direction de l'information légale et administrative): Allocations familiales (famille de 2 enfants ou plus) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.