How do disability benefits work in France for UK nationals?

If you are living in France as a resident and have a disability, you may be eligible for both exportable benefits from the UK and French disability benefits. 

Understanding these options is important to ensure you receive the full support you are entitled to.

Exportable disability benefits from the UK

For UK nationals, some disability benefits can be exported to France and claimed on an ongoing basis.

You will need to check carefully as there have been important changes post-Brexit. 

Your eligibility largely depends on whether you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (WA).

WA beneficiaries

UK nationals living in France before Brexit, or their close family members, can continue receiving benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (excluding the mobility component), Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance (AA), and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Non-WA beneficiaries

For those moving since 2021, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, AA and PIP benefits are no longer exportable. 

ESA is limited to a few weeks of support (usually 4 weeks or up to 26 weeks if travelling for medical treatment). Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is still exportable.

For further information on exporting ESA, DLA, AA and PIP contact the International Pension Centre on 0044 191 206 9390 or use their online form.

For Carer’s Allowance enquiries, call 0044 800 731 0297.

Eligibility for French disability benefits

If you have been living in France for at least three months and are not eligible for a UK disability benefit, you may qualify for French disability benefits. 

The Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH) can help assess your entitlement to the different types of benefit.

The caisse d’allocations familiales CAF (family allowance office) or the conseil départemental (departmental council) will usually handle the payment of benefits. 

What are the different disability benefits in France?

Like the UK, there are several different types of disability benefit.

Prestation de compensation du handicap (PCH)

This benefit supports people who have difficulty with or are unable to do ‘essential activities’. 

It can assist with home help, car adaptations, and personal care needs. 

PCH is available for those whose disability began before the age of 60. The amount varies based on your level of need and some kinds of income will be taken into account.

Allocation personnalisée d'autonomie (APA)

APA provides similar support to PCH for individuals over 60.

APA comes in two kinds, one for people who live in retirement homes and one called APA à domicile, for help to stay in your own home.

You can find application forms at your mairie’s centre communal d’action sociale.

France’s official website for seniors and their caregivers lists information points for older people where you can find this form as well as nurse and home help services.

Aide sociale

For individuals not dependent enough to need APA, their retirement caisse may offer aide sociale. 

This can include financial assistance for home help or meals on wheels, depending on your income and retirement rights in France.

Pension d'invalidité

Similar to ESA benefits in the UK, this benefit is for individuals who have worked in France and paid into the social security system but can no longer work due to disability.

Allocation aux adultes handicapés (AAH)

AAH provides a minimum income for people with serious disabilities who are unable to work and have low incomes. 

This benefit is those under 60, though exceptions may apply. 

The payment amount varies based on income, with a maximum of €1,033.32 per month (as of September 2025).

Carte mobilité inclusion (Invalidité)

For people with disabilities rated at 80% or higher, the carte mobilité inclusion offers several benefits, such as priority seating on public transport, plus tax advantages and discounts.

How to apply for disability benefits in France

To access French disability benefits, contact your local MDPH (Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées) who will help guide you through the application process or ask your mairie to point you in the right direction.