Claim CAF housing benefit (APL)

A housing benefit paid by CAF — or MSA under the agricultural scheme — that reduces the rent on a conventionné home.

Only if the home is your main residence in France and you meet CAF's conditions on your situation, your income and the housing itself. CAF decides; the official simulator only gives an estimate.

As soon as you move in. The aid runs from the first day of the month following your application, so a late claim loses months.

Online with CAF, through the téléservice linked from service-public.gouv.fr.

CAF states an average of 36.5 days to process a complete APL file.

• CAF reviews the file and may ask for further supporting documents.
• If it is granted, payment is made on the 5th of each month, usually straight to the landlord, and your rent is reduced by that amount.

Your income is reassessed automatically every quarter. You must tell CAF whenever your household, address or situation changes.