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In brief
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Duration: Deposit — 30 minutes; decision — 2 to 4 weeks
Cost: Free (without participation) or with small participation according to income
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if your income is below the ceiling (~9 500 €/year for one person, plus for a family)
  • You if you can't pay a mutual and need a cover
  • You if you have CPAM rights but high load remains

To be prepared in advance

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  • Last year's tax notice (revenue justification)
  • Vital Card/CPAM fee certificate
  • Home justification, identification of all members of the household

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Check eligibility: CSS depends on resources (on revenues N-2, i.e. two years ago). Ceiling for free CSS (without financial participation) ~9 542 €/year for one person (2026), plus for a family. For slightly higher incomes — CSS with a small participation.
  2. 2Simulator CPAM/Ameli: Check eligibility online before filing — save time.
  3. 3Apply to ameli.fr (online) or CPAM on paper (Cerfa forms). Indicate all beneficiary members (spouse, children).
  4. 4Attach: last year's tax notice, identification, proof of residence. CPAM investigates the case in ~2 to 4 weeks.
  5. 5In case of favourable opinion, choose the organisation: the CSS is managed by a chosen mutual (CPAM list) — free of charge or with participation. The WFPC shall notify the organization.
  6. 6Use the CSS: paid third party (without remaining at the expense of doctors and pharmacies), covers the moderator ticket, the packages (optical, dental), hospitalisation (stay expenses).
  7. 7It lasts 1 year, then renewal (see the css-renewal guide) — to be filed 2 months before the deadline.
  8. 8In case of refusal: possible recourse or recourse to CCAS/lawyer — sometimes the calculation of resources is incorrect.

Common mistakes

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  • Ignore the CSS and pay a mutual while it is free of charge.
  • File with incorrect income calculation (notice of taxation errors).
  • Do not include all members of the household — children/spouses are also entitled to do so.
  • Do not renew in time — break in coverage.
  • To believe that the CSS is reserved for citizens. No — for all residents with CPAM rights.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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CSS: renewalCMU supplementary (historical)Free access to care

Important remark

The CSS revenue ceilings are revised annually. This information is indicative — for your case, use the CPAM simulator.

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