Understanding France's 'back to school' grant for 2026
Families in mainland France will receive the 2026 allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS) on August 18, with payments reaching up to €466.02 per child depending on age. The allowance has increased by 0.8% compared to last year's amounts.
Up to three million families were eligible for the grant in 2025, which is distributed by the Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (Caf) or the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA). The Caf network, consisting of 101 local offices across France, serves more than 10 million beneficiaries and distributed nearly 100 billion euros in benefits in 2024, including 42 billion euros in family benefits specifically. The MSA, France's second-largest social protection scheme, provides comprehensive coverage for the agricultural population including farmers, farm workers, and their families.
History and purpose of the allowance
Created in 1974, the allocation de rentrée scolaire was established to help families finance back-to-school expenses under income conditions. The program aims to ease the financial burden of education costs, which typically range from €80-150 per child for primary school and €150-300 for collège or lycée students.
Eligibility requirements
The ARS is means-tested based on household income and available to families with children aged between six and 18 who are enrolled in public or private schools or registered with distance learning organizations. Children being educated at home are not eligible.
For the 2026 school year beginning in September, eligible parents must have children born between September 16, 2008 and December 31, 2020, inclusive. Children already enrolled in CP, the first year of compulsory schooling for children turning six, also qualify. Apprentices may receive the allowance if their salary does not exceed 55% of the guaranteed minimum wage.
Income thresholds
The allowance is calculated based on net household income from 2024. Maximum income ceilings vary by family size:
- One child: €28,956
- Two children: €35,638
- Three children: €42,320
- Four children: €49,002
- Each additional child: add €6,682
Families whose income only slightly exceeds these thresholds may still qualify for a partial allowance, known as an allocation différentielle, allowing those just above the limit to receive reduced support.
Payment amounts for 2026
The allowance varies by age group:
- Children aged 6 to 10: €426.87 (up from €423.48 in 2025)
- Young people aged 11 to 14: €450.41 (up from €446.85)
- Teenagers aged 15 to 18: €466.02 (up from €462.33)
Application process
Families already receiving the ARS or other Caf benefits with children aged six to 15 on December 31, 2026, will receive automatic payments. If a child is starting CP in 2026 but will not turn six until 2027, parents must submit a certificat de scolarité from the school to the Caf.
For children aged 16 to 18, parents need to declare their continued enrollment in school or apprenticeship through the Mon Compte section at caf.fr. Those not currently receiving Caf benefits can create an online account and download an application form under the Parentalité section.
Special circumstances
Payment dates differ in some overseas departments: Mayotte and Réunion receive the ARS earlier on August 4, compared to August 18 in mainland France and other overseas departments.
For children placed in care by the Aide sociale à l'enfance (ASE) or in specialized facilities, the ARS is not paid to parents but instead deposited into a blocked account at the Caisse des dépôts and paid to the child when they reach adulthood.
