Requesting a Debt Exemption (Remise Gracieuse)

If you're in a very difficult financial situation and cannot repay an amount owed to CAF even in installments, you can request full or partial exemption from this debt for humanitarian reasons, without disputing the accuracy of the amount itself.

This page explains how to draft this request, 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?

• Your financial situation is very difficult and you cannot repay even in installments;
• You're experiencing an exceptional circumstance (illness, job loss, etc.);
• You previously requested a deadline that wasn't sufficient;
• You need temporary support to overcome a financial crisis;
• You want to explain your social situation in detail.

In all these cases, a written exemption request remains an effective way to present your situation.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and beneficiary number;
• The amount you're requesting exemption from;
• A detailed explanation of your financial and social situation;
• Supporting documents (bank statement, proof of income, certificates);
• Any other assistance you're currently receiving.

The more detailed and honest the request, the greater the chance of it being accepted.

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: Request for debt exemption (remise gracieuse)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am requesting a full or partial exemption from my debt of [amount] euros, given my situation.

[...]

→ 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

What's the difference between exemption and contesting?

Contesting disputes the accuracy of the amount, while exemption requests relief for humanitarian reasons.

Is exemption guaranteed?

No, the decision is at CAF's discretion based on studying your individual situation.

Can the exemption be only partial?

Yes, partial exemptions are often granted instead of full ones.

How long does the response take?

It can take several weeks to two months depending on the file's complexity.

What if my request is rejected?

You can instead request an installment deadline, or submit a new request if your situation changes.