CAF Rented Accommodation Subsidy for Students in France: 2026 Complete Guide

 Written by: Sanju Prasad | Edited by: Swapnil Vyawahare

Reviewed by: Professional Attestation & Apostille Consultants team of PEC Attestation

Why This Guide Matters for Indian Students

France has long been a popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education at affordable costs. One of the biggest advantages of studying in France is access to CAF housing subsidies—a French government program that can reduce your rent by €100-€280 every month.

However, 2026 brings significant changes. The French Finance Bill 2026 proposes restricting APL eligibility for non-EU/EEA international students. This guide covers everything you need to know—including the critical deadline and what you can do to secure your housing benefits.

🚨URGENT: 2026 Budget Changes Affecting Indian Students

The 2026 French Finance Bill proposes significant changes to housing benefits for international students:

• New 2-Year Residence Requirement: Non-EU/EEA students may need to prove 2 years of continuous residence in France to qualify for APL
• APL Amount Frozen: No increase in APL amounts for 2026 (same as 2025 levels)
• Affected Students: Approximately 10,000+ international students could lose housing benefits
• Scholarship Holders: Students with French government scholarships may still be eligible

Current Status: The bill has been passed by the Senate and is awaiting final vote. Until then, current rules apply. Apply NOW to secure your benefits under current rules.

1. What is CAF?

CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) is the French Family Allowances Fund—a government agency that provides financial assistance to residents of France, including students. While CAF offers various benefits, the most relevant for international students is the housing allowance (Aide au Logement).

In simple terms, CAF helps you pay your rent. The amount you receive depends on your income, rent, and living situation. For many students, CAF subsidies cover 20-40% of their monthly rent, making a significant difference in their budget.

Types of Housing Assistance Available

Type	French Name	For Students?	Coverage
Personalized Housing Aid	APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement)	✅	Government-approved housing (CROUS, social housing, some private)
Social Housing Aid	ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale)	✅	Private housing not covered by APL
Family Housing Aid	ALF (Allocation de Logement Familial)	❌	Families with children (not for students)

Key Takeaway: As a student, you can apply for either APL or ALS. CAF will automatically determine which one you're eligible for based on your housing type and situation.

2. Benefits for Indian Students

Average Monthly Housing Subsidy

€100 - €280

(Based on 2025 rates | Amount varies by income, rent, and location)

Real-World Examples for Indian Students

City	Avg. Rent (Studio)	Avg. CAF Amount	Your Actual Rent
Paris	€800-1,200	€200-280	€600-920
Lyon	€500-700	€150-200	€350-550
Toulouse	€400-600	€120-180	€280-480
Bordeaux	€450-650	€130-190	€320-520
Montpellier	€400-550	€110-170	€290-440
Strasbourg	€420-580	€120-180	€300-460
Nantes	€400-550	€100-160	€300-450

Additional Benefits

• Direct Payment: CAF pays directly to your bank account or landlord
• No Repayment: Housing aid is a grant, NOT a loan
• Automatic Calculation: No complex application for specific amounts
• Valid for Entire Stay: Continue receiving aid throughout your studies
• No Part-Time Job Required: Based on income level, not employment
• Backdated Payments: If approved, you receive payment from your move-in date

3. Eligibility Criteria (2026 Update)

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• ✅ Enrolled in a French educational institution (university, grande école, or accredited school)
• ✅ Living in rented accommodation (apartment, studio, shared flat, or CROUS residence)
• ✅ Valid residence permit (VLS-TS student visa or titre de séjour)
• ✅ French bank account (RIB) for receiving payments
• ✅ Signed rental contract (bail de location) in your name
• ✅ Proof of income (or declaration of no income)
• ✅ French social security number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale)

2026 Critical Update: New Residence Requirement

Under the proposed 2026 Finance Bill:

• Non-EU/EEA students may need to prove 2 years of continuous residence in France
• This would make most new Indian students ineligible upon arrival
• Students with French government scholarships may be exempt
• Current students: If you arrived before the law changes, you may be grandfathered in

Action Item: If you're planning to study in France in 2026, apply for CAF immediately upon arrival to secure benefits under current rules while they still apply.

Income Thresholds for 2026

Household Composition	Max Annual Income for Full Benefits (2026)
Single person	€5,235
Couple (no children)	€7,501
Single parent + 1 child	€8,947
Couple + 1 child	€8,947
Couple + 2 children	€9,148
Couple + 3 children	€9,498

Good News for Students: Most Indian students have no income or very low income (family support), which means they fall well within these thresholds and qualify for the maximum housing subsidy they're eligible for based on their rent.

Housing Requirements

Housing Type	Eligible for CAF?	Notes
Private Apartment/Studio	✅	Most common for international students
Shared Apartment (Colocation)	✅	Your name must be on the lease
CROUS Residence	✅	Automatic APL allocation
Private Student Residence	✅	Check if APL-eligible
Homestay (Famille d'accueil)	✅	With registered host family
Airbnb/Hotel	❌	Not considered permanent residence
Parents' Property	❌	Cannot rent from family members

4. Documents Required for CAF Application

Essential Documents Checklist

• ✅ Passport (valid ID page + visa page)
• ✅ French Residence Permit (titre de séjour or VLS-TS validation)
• ✅ Birth Certificate (apostilled and translated to French by certified translator)
• ✅ Student Enrollment Certificate (certificat de scolarité from your university)
• ✅ Rental Contract (Bail de Location) signed by you and landlord
• ✅ French Bank Account Details (RIB) with IBAN
• ✅ Proof of Address (attestation d'hébergement signed by landlord or utility bill)
• ✅ Latest Tax Return (or declaration of no income - formulaire de déclaration)
• ✅ French Social Security Number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale)

Birth Certificate Requirement (Important for Indians)

Indian students must provide a French-translated birth certificate:

• Get your birth certificate apostilled from the Ministry of External Affairs in India
• Have it translated by a certified French translator (traducteur assermenté)
• The translation must be stamped with the translator's official seal
• Some CAF offices may accept English birth certificates, but French translation is recommended

Pro Tip: Get this done in India before departing to save time and money in France.

Additional Documents by Situation

Your Situation	Additional Documents Needed
Scholarship Student	Scholarship award letter, proof of scholarship amount
Part-time Worker	Last 3 pay slips, employment contract
Researcher/PhD	Research contract, university affiliation letter
Internship	Internship convention, internship allowance proof
Name Different from Documents	Name change certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable)

5. Step-by-Step Application Process (2026)

Step 1: Create Your CAF Account

Visit www.caf.fr and click "Créer mon compte" (Create my account). You'll need:

• Your date of birth
• French social security number (if available)
• Passport number or residence permit number
• French phone number (required for verification code)
• Email address

Step 2: Verify Your Email & Phone

CAF will send a verification code to your email and SMS. Enter these to activate your account. Your phone number is crucial—it will be used for all future communications.

Step 3: Start Your Housing Aid Application

Go to "Faire une demande d'aide au logement" (Apply for housing aid). Select your situation (student) and the type of housing you have.

Step 4: Enter Your Information

Fill in your personal details, current address in France, rental information, and financial situation. You can save and return to your application if needed.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload all required documents as PDFs or JPGs. Each document must be clear and legible. File size limits apply (typically 2MB per file).

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review all information carefully and submit. You'll receive a temporary application number (Numéro de dossier) and a confirmation email.

Step 7: Receive Your Numéro Allocataire

Within minutes to a few days, you'll receive your permanent CAF beneficiary number (Numéro allocataire). This number is essential for all future correspondence with CAF.

Step 8: Wait for CAF Decision

CAF will review your application and may request additional documents. Response time varies from 1 week to 2 months, depending on your department and workload.

Step 9: Receive Your First Payment

If approved, you'll receive a notification with your monthly benefit amount. The first payment is usually backdated to your move-in date and paid within 5-10 days of approval.

Application Timeline

Phase	Duration
Account Creation	1-2 Days
Processing Time	10-30 Days
First Payment	5-10 Days
Total Average	40 Days

6. Key French Terms to Know

French Term	English	What It Means
Aide au Logement	Housing Benefit/Aid	What you're applying for
Allocation de Logement	Housing Allowance	General term for housing subsidies
Bail de Location	Rental Lease/Contract	Your housing contract
Numéro Allocataire	Beneficiary Number	Your CAF identification number
Relevé d'Identité Bancaire (RIB)	Bank Account Details	For receiving payments
Attestation d'Hébergement	Accommodation Certificate	Proof of address from landlord
Certificat de Scolarité	Enrollment Certificate	Proof of student status
Justificatif de Domicile	Proof of Residence	Address proof document
Déclaration de Ressources	Income Declaration	Statement of your income
Mensualité	Monthly Payment	Your rent or benefit amount

7. How to Calculate Your Expected CAF Amount

Before signing a lease, use CAF's official simulator to estimate your housing benefit:

CAF Simulator Steps

1. Visit www.caf.fr and go to "Simuler mes droits" (Calculate my rights)
2. Select "Aide au logement" (Housing aid)
3. Enter your postal code (where you plan to live)
4. Select your housing type and monthly rent
5. Enter your annual income (or expected family support)
6. Add household composition (single, couple, children)
7. Click "Calculer" (Calculate) to see your estimated benefit

Factors Affecting Your CAF Amount

Factor	Effect on CAF Amount
Rent Amount	Higher rent = Higher potential benefit (up to a limit)
Your Income	Lower income = Higher benefit (up to maximum)
Housing Location	Paris and major cities have higher rent ceilings
Housing Type	APL vs ALS have different calculation methods
Family Situation	Students with dependents may qualify for more
Lease Duration	Minimum 8 months residence required per year

8. Payment Details & Schedule

How Payments Work

• Payment Date: Usually between the 5th and 10th of each month
• Payment Method: Direct bank transfer to your RIB
• Payment Period: Benefits are paid for the current month
• Retroactive: First payment includes all months since your move-in date

Summer Break Policy

CAF benefits are automatically suspended during summer break (July-August) if:

• You don't inform CAF that you'll keep your accommodation
• You return to India for summer vacation
• Your lease ends before the academic year

What to do: If you'll stay in France during summer or keep your apartment, log into your CAF account and confirm your situation before the end of the academic year.

Common Payment Issues & Solutions

Issue	Solution
Payment delayed	Check your CAF account for status updates; contact CAF by phone (3230 - free call)
Amount lower than expected	Review the decision letter; you can appeal through your CAF account
Bank account changed	Update your RIB in your CAF account immediately
Address changed	Submit a new APL application for your new address
Still no number allocataire	Wait up to 10 days; if still nothing, contact CAF or visit local CAF office

9. Important Deadlines for 2026

Deadline	Action Required
Before Law Changes	Apply for CAF immediately upon arrival in France to secure benefits under current rules
End of Academic Year	Confirm summer plans with CAF to avoid automatic suspension
New Address	Apply for new APL within 30 days of moving
Scholarship Renewal	Confirm scholarship status before end of January 2026 (for continued benefits)
Visa Renewal	Ensure visa is renewed before expiration to maintain eligibility

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply for CAF before arriving in France?

No, you cannot apply for CAF before arriving in France. You must have a signed rental contract and a French address to start your application. However, you can prepare all your documents in advance (especially the translated birth certificate).

Q: How much can I receive per month?

Most Indian students receive between €100-€280 per month, depending on their rent, income, and location. Paris students typically receive the highest amounts (up to €280), while students in smaller cities receive €100-180 on average.

Q: Do I need to work part-time to qualify?

No! CAF housing benefits are NOT employment-based. They are based on your income level, and most students have no or very low income, which actually maximizes their benefit amount. Part-time work is allowed but not required.

Q: What if my rental contract is in my parents' name?

You cannot receive CAF benefits if the rental contract is not in your name. The lease must be signed by you as the tenant. You can be a co-tenant with your parents, but you must have a separate contract.

Q: Can I share a room and still apply?

Yes, you can apply for CAF if you live in shared accommodation (colocation). However, your name must be on the lease, and your portion of the rent must be clearly defined in the rental contract.

Q: What happens if I change apartments?

If you move to a new apartment, you must submit a NEW CAF application with your new address. Your previous APL will be stopped, and a new application will be processed for the new address.

Q: Is CAF money taxable?

No, CAF housing benefits are NOT considered taxable income in France. You don't need to declare them in your tax return.

Q: What if I'm rejected by CAF?

You can appeal CAF's decision within 2 months of receiving the rejection letter. Log into your CAF account, go to "Faire un recours," and explain why you believe the decision was incorrect. If the appeal is rejected, you can escalate to the Tribunal Administratif.

Q: Do I need home insurance for my apartment?

Yes, home insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory in France for renters. You'll need to provide proof of insurance when signing your lease and applying for CAF. This typically costs €50-150 per year for student apartments.

Q: Can I apply if I'm in France on a short-stay visa?

No, short-stay visas (less than 3 months) do not make you eligible for CAF. long-stay student You must have a visa (VLS-TS) or a valid titre de séjour to qualify for housing benefits.

11. Alternative: Scholarships with Housing Benefits

If you're concerned about 2026 changes to CAF eligibility, consider applying for scholarships that include guaranteed housing support:

Scholarship	Benefits	Deadline
TIGER Master Excellence (Aix-Marseille)	€10,000/year + Guaranteed accommodation + Installation support	Check website
France Excellence Eiffel (Campus France)	Full tuition + Monthly stipend (€1,200) + Housing supplement	January 2026
Math & CS Masters Grant (Sorbonne Paris Nord)	€600/month + €400 housing supplement	Check website
Charpak Scholarship (Inde Campus France)	€500-€2,000/year + Assistance with accommodation	December 2025
Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)	Up to full tuition + €500/month living allowance	December 2025

Pro Tip: Students with French government scholarships (bourses du gouvernement français) may be exempt from the 2026 residence requirement. If you're applying for scholarships, this housing security is a significant advantage.

12. Getting Help with Your CAF Application

Official CAF Support

• Phone: 3230 (free call from France) - Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
• Local CAF Office: Visit your nearest CAF office in person (many have English-speaking staff)
• Online Account: www.caf.fr - Send messages through your account
• Mobile App: Download "CAF - Mon Compte" app for iOS/Android

Campus France Support

Campus France India and their France offices can help with:

• Document preparation guidance
• Birth certificate translation services
• Pre-departure briefings on CAF process
• Connection with current students for advice