How France’s ‘back to school’ grant works and the amounts for 2025
Three million families are expected to receive the benefit, with payments of up to €462 per child
The back-to-school allowance is intended to help low-income families to pay for school expenses, such as classroom equipment
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
The 2025 version of the ‘allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS, back-to-school allowance)’ is set to be paid to families in mainland France today (August 19).
The amount increased by 1.7% for this year's payout, with a maximum pay out of €462.33 per child depending on their age.
Up to three million people in France are eligible for the grant from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales) or the MSA (Mutualité sociale agricole), which is paid to lower-income parents.
It is intended to help pay for children's school expenses and is paid per child.
Who can get the allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS)?
The ARS is:
Means-tested to the household’s income
Available to families with children aged between six and 18 who are enrolled in a public or private school or registered with a distance learning organisation
Not available to children who are being educated at home
For the start of the 2025 school year (September), eligible parents must have children who:
Children already enrolled in CP (reception) are also eligible.
If the child is following an apprenticeship the aid is paid if their salary does not exceed 55% of the guaranteed minimum wage.
What is the maximum household income to qualify for the ARS?
The ARS is means-tested, but maximum household income levels depend on the number of school-age dependent children living there.
For the start of the 2025 school year, the net household income taken into account will be that from the year 2023.
The income ceilings are as follows:
Families with 1 child: €28,444
2 children: €35,008
3 children: €41,572
4 children: €48,136
Per extra child: add €6,564 to the previous ceiling amount (so €54,700 for 5 children etc.)
You may be entitled to a partial allowance if your income only just exceeds the threshold.
What will the amount of the ARS be in 2025?
In 2025, the amount paid will be:
Children aged 6 to 10: €423.48 each (compared to €416.40 in 2024)
Young people aged 11 to 14: €446.85 (compared with €439.38)
Teenagers aged 15 to 18: €462.33 (compared with €454.60)
How can I apply for the ARS?
If you already receive the ARS or other CAF benefits, and your child will be aged between six and 15 on December 31, 2025, there is nothing you need to do – the payment should be automatic.
If your child is starting CP (the first year of primary school) in 2025, but will not turn six until 2026, you need to send the CAF a certificat de scolarité issued by the school.
If your child is between the ages of 16 and 18, you need to declare that they are still in school or an apprenticeship via the Mon Compte section at caf.fr.
Those who are not already recipients of CAF benefits can create an online account at the Service Public website, and download an application form.
