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In brief
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Duration: Request for caf.fr — 20 at 30 min; first decision — 4 at 8 weeks
Cost: Free; help about 100 to 300 €/month for a typical student
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • Students (including foreigners) renting accommodation in France
  • Young people with low income renters of an apartment
  • Renters already installed who have not yet applied for the APL

To be prepared in advance

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  • Social Security Number (Vital card or certificate)
  • The lease and a BIR for the payment
  • Certificate of education and last year's income (notice of taxation or absence)

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Check the eligibility of the dwelling: the APL applies only to the principal residence, rented to a lessor or in residence (including CROUS). Not APL If you're staying with your parents.
  2. 2Create an account on caf.fr and complete the return. Without a French Social Security number, start with the application for entitlement to health insurance (CPAM) — the CAF will join you via this number.
  3. 3Indicate the previous calendar year's income. For most students, it is "0" or a low income — theAPL will be maximum. In case of work, state precisely: a recalculation will take place.
  4. 4Apply online at caf.fr : 20 at 30 minutes. I-I-I APL is paid from the month of moving (rights opened the month of moving), hence the importance of applying from the moment of installation.
  5. 5Choose the method of payment: the APL is often paid directly to the lessor (paying third parties) or to your account, as agreed to in the lease.
  6. 6Each year, update your return (the quarterly return has been removed, but the annual update of income remains mandatory). Any change in resources or family composition is automatically recalculated.

Common mistakes

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  • Asking for late APL — months are lost. Drop off as soon as you move in.
  • Report incorrect income — recalculation and (undue) debt to be repaid.
  • Believe that the APL covers all the rent. In general 30 to 70 %, according to income and size of housing.
  • Forget to inform the CAF about a move or a change in composition — hence over-perceived and undue.
  • Do not ask by thinking that "foreigners are not entitled to it". Foreign students with principal residence are also entitled to the APL.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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CAF and family allowancesRental folderVisa guarantee

Important remark

The amounts of the APL are individual and depend on income, composition and housing. This information is indicative — only the CAF simulator gives the exact calculation.

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