Registering for social benefits

How do I register for government social systems in France?

Social benefits in France are administered through different national agencies depending on the type of support you need, so you will generally need to register with each relevant body.

• Healthcare, including maternity and paternity care, is handled through the local caisse primaire d’assurance maladie (CPAM). For details on registration and coverage, see Chapter 18.

• Family benefits, such as housing aid, income support, family allowances, and childcare assistance, are administered via the caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF). Information and online services are available at caf.fr.

• Employment support and unemployment benefits are provided through France Travail, the agency formerly known as Pôle emploi.

Can I continue to claim UK benefits while living in France?

Some UK benefits may be exportable while you live in France, depending on the scheme and your eligibility.

• For example, certain UK state pensions and contributory benefits may continue to be paid abroad, subject to UK rules.

• Benefits such as child benefit can sometimes be exported if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

You should contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before moving to confirm which payments can continue and whether any forms or notifications are required.

However, other benefits (such as universal credit or certain disability payments) may stop if you move outside the UK.

If you have worked in both the UK and France, the UK-France social security agreement (formerly part of EU arrangements) ensures that contributions made in France may count towards your UK benefits, and vice versa, helping to avoid gaps in entitlements.

For detailed advice, you can contact the British Embassy in Paris or the relevant UK agency before your move.