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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Simulation — 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you want to estimate how much APL you will touch
  • You if you are considering housing and want help
  • You if your income has changed and you want to recalculate the APL

To be prepared in advance

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  • Last year's income (notice of taxation or estimate)
  • Composition of the household (number of persons, children)
  • Amount of rent and type of accommodation (furnished/unfurnished, residence)

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Find the simulator: caf.fr → « Simulate my services ». Free, no registration.
  2. 2Enter the situation: number of dependants, household composition, postal code, type of accommodation.
  3. 3Enter rent (including expenses) and resources (according to last year's tax notice).
  4. 4The simulator gives an estimate of APL per month. This amount is indicative, with no commitment from the CAF.
  5. 5Compare the options: in case of a change in housing or composition, recalculate. Thresholds are changing.
  6. 6The APL is calculated on N-2 revenues (two years ago), but the CAF can use newer revenues in the event of a change.
  7. 7For students: specific rules (parents' or own income according to age). See the guide apl-student.
  8. 8If the amount is appropriate — file the official application on caf.fr (see the APL guide for your category).
  9. 9Real time calculation (since 2021) — APL can be recalculated in the event of a change in income via rightholder.

Common mistakes

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  • Do not use the simulator — we don't know what to expect.
  • Seizing a bad rent (with/without charges) — error.
  • Believe simulator estimate = final amount. The CAF may vary.
  • Do not recalculate if situation changes.
  • Ignore the N-2 income calculation.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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APL for studentsAPL in couple/colocationCAF housing aids (general)

Important remark

The simulator gives an estimate. The final amount — after applying in CAF and checking the file.

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