The ASF is a social benefit granted to single-parent families, which are among the most precarious families in France.
The ASF is an allowance aimed at helping parents who raise their child(ren) alone. These single-parent families are generally in a precarious situation and the allowance constitutes a means of providing for the essential needs of their household.
What is the family support allowance?
The family support allowance (ASF) aims to support the parent who raises their child alone, in the event of separation for example, when the other parent no longer pays alimony for at least one month, or when the child support amount is too weak and whose amount is less than 118.20 euros per month. To benefit from it, you must live alone in France, with at least one dependent child. Unlike other aids and family allowances, the ASF does not depend on the resources of the remaining parent or the person who took in the child. Please note that the family support allowance does not take into account the maintenance duties of a parent who refuses to pay alimony: If the ASF can be paid as an advance when the alimony is not is not paid by the other parent, the latter risks a recovery procedure by the organization which advances the costs.
How much is the family support allowance?
Since November 2022, the amount of the family support allowance has been upgraded, and amounts to 184 euros per month and per child, instead of the previous 123.20 euros. Also, if the alimony received is less than 122.93 euros per month, the Coffee may pay an additional Asf to reach this amount. For example, if you only receive 50 euros from your ex-spouse, the Caf will then pay you 72.93 euros. However, if the difference is less than 15 euros, the differential ASF is not paid. Finally, this social benefit is paid the month following the separation of the parents. Note that the amount of the ASF is 163.87 euros if you have taken in a child deprived of help from both parents.
How do I apply for the family support allowance?
For benefit from the family support allowance, you will have to send to the Caf the ASF application form (Cerfa No. 12038*03) with your declaration of situation as well as the requested documents (copy of the judgment, family record book, etc.)
Are the ASF and the RSA cumulative?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Family Support Allowance and the Active Solidarity Income. This social benefit can also be combined with the family supplement, maternity leave, the free choice of childcare supplement (CMG), the birth bonus and the PreParE.
What is the duration of the family support allowance?
- If no alimony has been set and you are not in possession of any court order, the ASF may be paid for 4 months. To extend it, it is nevertheless necessary to bring an action before the family court judge of the high court of your domicile, so that a maintenance payment is fixed. The latter being fixed, the family support allowance will be maintained until its characterization. For parents who have not fixed child supportit will then be necessary to bring an action for review of the court decision before the same judge, or a family mediation addressing in particular the question of the maintenance obligation.
- If alimony has been fixed, the ASF is paid as an advance. Your Caf or your MSA then acts in your place to recover this support if the other parent does not pay the fixed support in full. It can also set up recovery proceedings against the other parent to recover up to two years of unpaid child support.
- If the other parent is unable to meet their maintenance obligation (insolvency, unemployment, RSA, etc.), the CAF will check his situation and, depending on the information collected, and will tell you if you need to take steps to fix alimony.
ASF Café: up to what age?
In the event of divorce or death of one of the spouses, BSO may be paid to the other parent who is responsible for the child. This must then be under 20 years old.
What is the differential family support allowance?
If the amount of alimony paid by the ex-spouse is less than the amount of the ASF, you receive in this case differential family support allowance : the Family allowance fund (Caf) or the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) pays you a supplement allowing you to reach 122.93 euros, and from November 2022, 184 euros. Note that the differential ASF, due each month, is paid quarterly.
Can ASF be paid retroactively?
Some CAF benefits can be paid for a period of two years from the day on which you are entitled to it. This is particularly the case for the family support allowance, as well as family allowances. Thus, if you have not taken the steps in time, do not panic, you will still receive the payment of the allowance.
Is the ASF taxable?
Like the other allowances paid by the CAF, the family support allowance is not subject to taxation.