What are the proposed changes to child allowance rules in France?
Over two million families could see a change to their allocations familiales if measure is approved
France's proposed delay in child benefit increases could affect over two million families
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Over two million families could see a change in their child benefit payments under a government plan to delay the age at which the allocations familiales are increased.
The draft measure would push the age at which families receive a higher monthly rate for their second and subsequent children back from 14 to 18 years. Around 2.4 million households would be affected if the change is approved.
At present, the allowance rises once a family’s second child turns 14, in recognition of the higher cost of teenagers. Depending on income, the top-up ranges from €18.88 to €75.53 per month.
The Ministry of Health and Families confirmed to AFP that “a decree is in preparation”, following a report in Le Parisien.
The measure, which would come into effect in March 2026, is reportedly included in the forthcoming social security budget. Officials say it would see state savings of around €200million in 2026.
The change will not impact current beneficiaries, meaning it will apply to teenagers newly turning 14 from March 2026.
The ministry has justified the reform on statistical grounds following a recent study by France’s public statistics service, Drees, which challenged the idea of a difference in spending between children under and over 14, and recommended moving the threshold to 18.
“It is justified that the level of support should correspond to the level of expense generated by the child, in line with the purpose of this benefit,” the ministry said.
It added that the savings would also help fund a new congé de naissance – a proposed “birth leave” giving each parent up to two additional months at home with their newborn, alongside existing maternity and paternity leave.
‘A step backwards for families’
Family organisations have reacted sharply. The association Familles de France described the plan as “a serious step backwards for families”, warning that adolescence remains one of the most expensive stages of childhood. Parents, they said, already face pressure from inflation and higher everyday costs.
The reform could be examined alongside the draft 2026 Social Security finance bill, expected to begin its parliamentary scrutiny in late October before reaching the National Assembly in November.
Health and Families Minister Stéphanie Rist has presented the proposal as part of a broader effort to control public spending while adapting family policy to current needs.
France devotes more than 3% of its GDP to family benefits, one of the highest shares in Europe.
Yet the government is under growing pressure to reduce the social security deficit, expected to exceed €13 billion in 2025.
If adopted, the new rule would apply automatically from March 2026. Families would continue to receive the basic allowance, but the higher rate would not begin until a child’s 18th birthday.