France's CAF launches pocket‑money program for teens

The Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) co‑finances an "Argent de poche" scheme that allows teenagers aged roughly 14‑18 to earn money by completing short, public‑service missions for their local commune. For each mission the CAF contributes €5, while the municipality or association pays the balance, typically resulting in a net €15 for a half‑day (about three hours) of work – roughly €5 per hour. The programme is capped at €2,000 per commune per year (about 400 missions) and only activates when at least four young participants complete a total of 20 missions. Eligibility ages vary by local CAF office, and participants are classified as "collaborators occasionnels du service public," not employees, so no social security contributions apply. Tasks range from municipal archiving and library inventory to event supervision and garden maintenance. The scheme has expanded beyond city centres; for example, the Laval agglomeration grew from 30 participants in 2004 to 811 in 2021. It provides a legal earning avenue for minors under the standard employment age of 16.