The CAF requires all beneficiaries to declare their income annually and report any changes in their situation. For foreigners, the rules on what counts as income and how foreign income is treated can be confusing. Errors can lead to overpayment claims or benefit suspensions.
What income must be declared to the CAF
The CAF requires declaration of: all professional income (salary, self-employment, freelance), replacement income (unemployment benefit ARE, daily allowances from CPAM), property income, capital income (dividends, interests), and foreign income. Foreign income must be declared in euros at the official exchange rate applicable on the date received. It is a common mistake to forget foreign income, which can lead to overpayment recovery claims.
The annual declaration in July
Every July, the CAF sends an actuality statement (déclaration de situation) to all beneficiaries. You must declare your income for the previous calendar year (January to December). The CAF uses this to recalculate your rights for the coming year. If you miss this declaration, your benefits may be suspended within 2 months.
What happens if you forget to declare
If you fail to declare your income on time, the CAF will suspend your benefits. You will receive a notification asking you to regularise your situation. Send a written response by registered post explaining the delay and providing the missing information. FrenchDesk can help you draft this letter with the correct legal references.
Contesting an overpayment claim (trop-perçu)
If the CAF claims you were overpaid, they will send a formal notice. You have 2 months to contest this before the Commission de Recours Amiable (CRA) if you believe the calculation is wrong. You can also request a payment plan if you accept the debt but cannot pay at once. FrenchDesk generates both the contestation letter and the payment plan request.