How France’s ‘back to school’ grant works and the amounts for 2025
The aid is means-tested and will increase by 1.7% this year
The back-to-school allowance is intended to help low-income families to pay for school expenses, such as classroom equipment
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Three million people in France are eligible for a ‘back to school’ financial grant, and the amount will increase by 1.7% from April 1 this year. Here is how it works, and the amounts for 2025.
The ‘allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS, back-to-school allowance)’ is paid by the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales, family benefits office) or the MSA (Mutualité sociale agricole, agricultural profession benefits office) to low-income parents. It is intended to help pay for children's school expenses and is paid per child.
From April 1, the amount will increase by 1.7%. This is normal for family and social benefits, with around nine other benefits also re-evaluated each year at the same time.
Increases are indexed to consumer prices, excluding tobacco. Last year, the revaluation was some 4.6%.
Read also: French benefit explainer: ‘Allocation de rentrée scolaire’
Who can get the allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS)?
The ARS is:
Means-tested to the household’s income
Available to families with children aged between six and 18 who are enrolled in a public or private school or registered with a distance learning organisation
Not available to children who are being educated at home
For the start of the 2025 school year (September), eligible parents must have children who:
Children already enrolled in CP (reception) are also eligible.
If the child is following an apprenticeship the aid is paid if their salary does not exceed 55% of the guaranteed minimum wage.
What is the maximum household income to qualify for the ARS?
The ARS is means-tested, but maximum household income levels depend on the number of school-age, dependent children living there.
For the start of the 2025 school year, the net household income taken into account will be from the year 2023.
The income ceilings are as follows:
You may be entitled to a partial allowance if your income only just exceeds the threshold.
What will the amount of the ARS be in 2025?
At the start of the 2025 school year, the amount paid will be:
Children aged 6 to 10: €423.48 each (compared to €416.40 in 2024)
Young people aged 11 to 14: €446.85 (compared with €439.38)
Teenagers aged 15 to 18: €462.33 (compared with €454.60)
How can I apply for the ARS?
If you already receive the ARS or other CAF benefits, and your child will be aged between six and 15 on December 31, 2025, there is nothing you need to do – the payment should be automatic.
If your child is starting CP (the first year of primary school) in 2025, but will not turn six until 2026, you need to send the CAF a certificat de scolarité issued by the school.
If your child is between the ages of 16 and 18, you need to declare that they are still in school or an apprenticeship in the Mon Compte section at caf.fr.
Those who are not already recipients of CAF benefits should create an online account on the Service Public website, and download an application form.
