What is CAF and how can it help students with rent?

Renting a place in France can be one of the biggest expenses for students, especially in large cities like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux. Fortunately, the French government offers financial support to help students—both French and international—pay for their accommodation. This support comes through CAF, short for Caisse d’Allocations Familiales.

Understanding how CAF works and how to apply for housing assistance (APL or ALS) can make a significant difference in your monthly budget. This guide will walk you through what CAF is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.

 

What is CAF?

CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is a public agency under the French social security system. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to individuals and families to support housing, childcare, unemployment, and family needs. For students, CAF is best known for providing housing benefits.

The two main types of housing assistance CAF offers to students are:

• APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) – Personalized housing aid, usually for housing under agreement with the state (like university residences).
• ALS (Allocation de Logement Social) – Social housing aid, generally for private accommodations that do not fall under the APL agreement.

 

Who Can Benefit from CAF Housing Assistance?

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must live in France and be renting a property or room.
• The accommodation must meet minimum habitability standards.
• You must be listed on the rental contract or lease.
• Both French and international students can apply.
• Students from outside the EU must have a valid student visa or residence permit.
• The amount received depends on your income, rent, location, and housing type.

You do not need to be employed or receiving other forms of aid to be eligible. Even students with no income can qualify, especially if their rent is high relative to their means.

 

How Much Financial Help Can You Expect?

The amount varies widely based on:

• The city where you live (aid is higher in expensive areas)
• The amount of your rent
• Whether your accommodation is individual or shared
• Your financial resources, and in some cases, your parents’ income (if you're under 25)

In general, students may receive anywhere from €100 to €250 per month, sometimes more in high-cost cities. This aid is paid directly to your bank account or in some cases to your landlord, reducing your monthly rent burden.

 

How to Apply for CAF Housing Aid (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting your online application, gather the following:

• Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
• French residence permit or visa
• Rental agreement (bail) in your name
• RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) – your French bank account details
• INSEE number (or you’ll get one after applying)
• School enrollment certificate (certificat de scolarité)
• If applicable, your parents’ income information (for under-25s)

Step 2: Create an Account on the CAF Website

Go to the official website: www.caf.fr
Click on "Faire une demande de prestation" (Apply for a benefit) and follow the steps to create your CAF account.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Choose "Aide au logement" (Housing aid) and fill in details about:

• Your personal situation
• Your housing type and rent
• Your income and banking details

CAF may ask you to upload scanned versions of your documents.

Step 4: Submit and Track Your Application

Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation and a CAF beneficiary number. CAF may take a few weeks to process your application. You can track the status in your online account.

Step 5: Receive Your Housing Aid

After approval, you will receive monthly payments, often retroactively from the month after your move-in date. For example, if you move in on September 1 and apply in September, payments will start from October.

 

Important Tips

• Apply early: The sooner you apply after moving in, the sooner you receive aid.
• Keep your documents updated: Notify CAF of any changes in address, income, or student status.
• Payments may vary year to year: CAF recalculates entitlements every January.
• Students in shared housing: You can apply even if you rent a room in a shared flat, but make sure your name is on the lease.

 

Common Questions

1. Can I apply for CAF if I live in a student residence?
Yes, especially if it is a public or CROUS residence. In fact, CROUS residences are often eligible for APL.

2. Can I receive CAF aid as a non-EU student?
Yes, but you must have legal residency in France, such as a student visa or residence card.

3. How long does it take to get the first payment?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks after submitting all required documents. Apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.

4. Does CAF assistance affect my student visa?
No. Receiving CAF is legal and does not impact your immigration status or scholarship eligibility.

5. Can I apply without a French bank account?
No. You need a French bank account (RIB) to receive payments.

 

Final Thoughts

CAF housing aid is one of the most beneficial supports available to students living in France. Whether you are a local or international student, the assistance can significantly ease the financial pressure of rent. The process may seem bureaucratic at first, but the savings over an academic year can be substantial.

If you're moving to France for your studies, applying for CAF aid should be one of the first things on your checklist once you have secured accommodation.