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How to apply for housing benefit (APL) from the CAF in France?

Apply for housing benefit (APL) online on caf.fr as soon as you move in: the benefit is due from the month after you apply. Since 1 July 2026, non-EU students without a means-tested grant are no longer eligible, with some exceptions.

The personalised housing benefit (APL, aide personnalisée au logement) is paid by the CAF to reduce the rent of tenants, including students. Depending on the home, the CAF pays the APL, ALS or ALF: the procedure is the same.

Who can receive the APL?

  • Tenants, co-tenants and sub-tenants of a home in France, with no age requirement.
  • The home must be your main residence (lived in at least 8 months a year) and meet decency standards.
  • The amount depends on your income over the last 12 months, your rent and your situation. It is recalculated automatically every 3 months.
  • Foreign nationals must hold a valid residence permit.

International students: what changed on 1 July 2026

Since 1 July 2026, students who are nationals of a country outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland can no longer receive the APL unless they hold a means-tested grant (bourse sur critères sociaux) (decree no. 2026-552 of 27 June 2026).

Still eligible:

  • EU, EEA and Swiss students;
  • students holding a means-tested grant, whatever their nationality;
  • refugee or stateless students;
  • non-EU students who have a salaried job or are on an apprenticeship or work-study contract, subject to conditions.

How do I apply?

  1. Simulate the amount of your benefit on caf.fr, as soon as you start looking for a home.
  2. Move in, then apply online on caf.fr ("Faire une demande de prestation") or in the Caf – Mon Compte app. Don't apply before you have moved in.
  3. Have ready: your lease, your bank details (IBAN), an email address, and your residence permit if you come from outside the EU.
  4. Upload the documents requested at the end of the application, from your Mon Compte space.

When is the benefit paid?

The benefit is due from the 1st day of the month after you apply, with no backdating: apply as soon as you move in. It is paid on the 5th of each month, most often directly to your landlord, who deducts it from your rent.

Does the APL count towards the Garantme guarantee?

The APL reduces the rent you have left to pay. To check whether you are eligible for the Caution Garantme, see who can get the Caution Garantme and the conditions for students.

Sources: Service-Public.fr – Aide personnalisée au logement ; caf.fr.

Updated on 10 November 2026.