Back-to-School Allowance

The back-to-school allowance is paid annually to help low-income households cover school entry expenses for children aged 6 to 18. It's paid automatically in most cases, but a written letter remains necessary in certain situations.

This page explains when a direct letter is needed, what information to provide, and offers a ready-to-use letter template, plus a tool to automatically generate your personalized letter.

When should you write this letter?

• You didn't receive the allowance despite meeting the conditions;
• Your child reached school age for the first time;
• Your child's school status changed (homeschooling, dropout);
• You noticed an error in the amount paid;
• You need to confirm your child's enrollment in an educational institution.

In all these cases, a written letter remains a reliable way to resolve your situation.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and beneficiary number;
• The name and age of the child(ren) concerned;
• The educational institution your child attends;
• Your approximate household income;
• A school enrollment certificate if requested.

The more accurate this information is, the faster your request will be processed.

Official letter template

Important note: the letter sent to CAF must be written in French, as it is a French administration. Below is a template you can use as a basis.

[First name LAST NAME]
[Full address]
[Beneficiary number]

CAF of [Department]
[CAF address]

Written in [City], on [Date]

Subject: Back-to-school allowance application

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am requesting payment of the back-to-school allowance for my child [first name], enrolled at [institution].

[...]

→ The complete letter, tailored precisely to your situation and ready to send, is generated automatically in 3 minutes using the tool above.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is this allowance paid?

Usually in late August each year, before the start of the school year.

Is it income-conditioned?

Yes, household income must not exceed a specified threshold, reviewed annually.

Does it cover homeschooling?

No, it's usually reserved for children enrolled in an official educational institution.

What if my child is over 18?

They're not eligible for this allowance unless still a student under certain conditions.

Do I need to submit a school certificate every year?

It may sometimes be requested for verification, especially for children aged 16 to 18.