School aid programmes help families in France and Brussels

In France, the Allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS) provides a direct cash grant to families with children aged 6‑18. For the 2026 school year the amounts are €426.87 for ages 6‑10, €450.41 for ages 11‑14 and €466.02 for ages 15‑18. The grant is automatic for children up to 15 years when the family’s CAF file is up‑to‑date; parents of 16‑18‑year‑olds must confirm continued schooling. Additional support includes municipal adjustments to school‑meal prices, the Social Fund for Canteens, and secondary‑school bursaries ranging from €504 to €1,071 per year, plus merit‑based awards of €402‑€1,002.

In Brussels, more than 300,000 children will receive a school premium in August, funded by a €16 million allocation. The premium varies by age: €25.36 for 0‑2 year‑olds, €38.05 for 6‑11, €63.41 for 12‑17 and for 18‑24 year‑olds not in higher education, and €101.46 for 18‑24 year‑olds enrolled in university studies. The payment is added automatically to the July family allowance, requiring no separate application.