'Back to school' money paid out this week
Families eligible for the Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire (ARS) to help pay for ‘back to school’costs, will start to receive their money from Thursday this week.
The ARS will be a few euros more than last year’s, at €367 for children aged six to 10, €388 for those aged 11 to 14, and €401 for those aged 15 to 18.
If you have previously had the payment and your child will be aged under 16 at the end of this calendar year then there is nothing to do to claim it – it should be paid into your bank account (parents in the overseas regions should already have had theirs).
If your child will be aged 16-18 you must declare that your child will still be in education or an apprenticeship under the Mon Compte section at caf.fr or via the mobile phone application Caf-Mon Compte
However if you have not had the payment before and are not registered with Caf (Caisse des Allocations Familiales) for benefits, you need to apply for the ARS by downloading a form at this link and sending it to your local Caf (or apply to the MSA if you work in agriculture).
Those with children who are entering the CP year of primary school this rentrée but who will have their sixth birthday next year need to send the Caf a certificat de scolarité from the school.
The ARS is means-tested, based on 2016 incomes declared in 2017. Ceilings for full amounts are €24,453 for one child, €30,096 for two or €35,739 for three, then an extra €5,643 per child. Those with incomes a little above the ceilings may be eligible for a reduced amount.
