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Chapter 12 of 15

Social security

CAF, RSA, retirement, family allowances, benefits in France

Summary

France has one of the most comprehensive social security systems in the world. The system is based on solidarity and covers healthcare, unemployment, pensions, family allowances, and social assistance. The two most important agencies for emigrants are the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) for allowances and CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie) for healthcare. As an EU citizen, you're entitled to most provisions after settling and registering.

CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales)

What is CAF?

CAF is comparable to the Dutch Tax Authority's benefits department. It manages and pays most social benefits and allowances in France.

Main benefits via CAF

BenefitDescriptionAmount (indicative, 2026)
APL / ALS / ALF (housing aid)Rental allowanceEUR 50-300/mth (depending on income, rent, family size)
Allocations familialesChild benefit (from 2 children)EUR 141/mth (2 children), EUR 323 (3 children)
Allocation de rentrée scolaireBack-to-school allowanceEUR 400-430 per child
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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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