Back-to-school allowance: what you need to know

Paid on August 16, the back-to-school allowance will benefit more than 3 million families this year. Intended to finance expenses related to the start of the school year, here is all you need to know about this aid.

The back-to-school allowance (ARS) is increased by 4% this year. The inhabitants of Mayotte and Reunion have already received their payment on August 2, the inhabitants of mainland France, Guyana and the West Indies will receive it on August 16, followed a few days later by the payment of the valuation.

The ARS: expected help to prepare for the start of the school year

Each year, the payment of the back-to-school allowance is expected by many families in order to be able to pay the school supplies and other needs necessary for the smooth running of the coming year. Paid by the CIFthe amount of the back-to-school allowance varies according to the age of the children.
This year, the amount of the ARS will be (including valuation):

• €392.05 for children aged 6 to 10;
• €413.69 for children aged 11 to 14;
• €428.02 for children aged 15 to 18.

This aid is paid per child in the household.

Means conditions to be eligible for the ARS

The school income allowance is allocated to families subject to resources, and according to the number of dependent children aged 6 to 18, enrolled in a public or private educational institution or body. The resource limits are as follows:

• €25,370 for 1 dependent child;
• €31,225 for 2 dependent children;
• €37,080 for 3 dependent children;
• €42,935 for 4 dependent children.

Simplified procedures for parents

If the parents of children aged 6 to 15 are already recipients, the payment of the ARS will be made automatically by the Caf or the MSA without them having to take any steps. On the other hand, parents who do not receive any other allowance must register on the Caf website. Parents of children aged 6 after December 31, 2022 and enrolled in CP from the start of the school year must send the Caf or the Mutuelle sociale agricole a certificate of schooling. Finally, from the age of 16 of the child, the parents simply have to complete an online declaration.