Address Change with CAF

Any change of your housing address must be reported to CAF as soon as possible, as this directly affects the calculation of housing benefit and may affect other benefits. This can usually be done online, but a written letter remains useful in certain cases, especially if you have a special situation to explain.

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

When should you write this letter?

• You recently moved into new housing and want to update your address with CAF;
• You had difficulty updating your address online;
• Your move is accompanied by a change in your family or professional situation;
• You want to specify an exact date for this change to take effect;
• You need to attach additional documents related to your new housing.

In all these cases, a written letter remains a reliable way to ensure your file is updated correctly and quickly.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and beneficiary number;
• Your old address as registered with CAF;
• Your complete new address;
• The actual move-in date;
• Your new status (tenant or owner) if it has changed;
• The new rent amount if it concerns rental housing.

The more accurate and complete this information is, the faster and more accurate the update of your file will be.

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: Change of address

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am informing you of my move to the following address: [new address], effective since [date].

[...]

→ 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

Can I directly update my address online?

Yes, in most cases this update can be done directly from your personal space on the CAF website.

What happens if I don't report my address change?

Your important mail may be delayed or sent to an incorrect address, which could affect processing of your file or receipt of important notices.

Does the address change affect my housing benefit amount?

Yes, the amount may change depending on the new housing area and type of rental, so it's important to update this information quickly.

How long does the address update take?

Usually a few days to two weeks, depending on the submission method (online or by mail).

Do I need to attach proof of my new address?

Yes, recent proof of address (bill, lease) is usually required to confirm the new address is valid.