French families must declare school status in July to receive ARS aid

France’s annual school‑age allowance (Allocation de rentrée scolaire, ARS) supports nearly three million families with funds for back‑to‑school expenses. The 2026‑2027 payment amounts are €426.87 for children aged 6‑10, €450.41 for ages 11‑14 and €466.02 for ages 15‑18, subject to household‑resource limits set by the CAF.

For families with adolescents aged 16‑18, a mandatory online declaration of the child’s schooling status must be made via the CAF portal or mobile app starting in July. Failure to confirm enrollment – whether in school, apprenticeship or further studies – leads the CAF to treat the child as no longer dependent and suspend the ARS payment. The declaration also requires details of the educational institution and, for apprentices, a monthly earnings ceiling of €1,144.21.

Families with younger children (6‑15) receive the allowance automatically if their CAF dossier is up‑to‑date. The guidance stresses early action in July to avoid delays and ensure the aid arrives before the usual late‑August disbursement.