Not declaring costs more than declaring
Many people avoid notifying CAF of a separation for fear of losing benefits or because of the administrative burden that comes with a divorce. This is a mistake. CAF calculates your entitlements based on your actual family situation. If you don't declare a separation, you continue receiving benefits calculated on the couple's combined income — which can generate a significant overpayment that you'll have to repay later. The legal deadline for declaration is 60 days.
What a separation may unlock in new entitlements
Paradoxically, a separation can open up entitlements you didn't have as a couple. If the household income was too high for APL, your personal income alone may now qualify. The Allocation de Soutien Familial (ASF) can be paid if the other parent doesn't pay maintenance. RSA may be accessible if your income alone falls below the threshold. Run a full simulation on caf.fr after your separation.
Child custody and family allowances
When a child lives primarily with one parent, that parent receives the full amount of family allowances. In alternating custody arrangements, allowances can be split between the two parents on a joint request. If you can't reach an agreement, a family court judge decides during the divorce or legal separation proceedings.
How to declare your separation
The declaration is made on caf.fr in your personal account (section "Mes démarches"), by letter, or at a CAF office. You'll need to provide the actual date of separation, your new living arrangements, and your new personal resources. If the divorce hasn't been officially pronounced yet, de facto separation is sufficient for CAF.
The difficult weeks: request emergency assistance
The period after a separation is often financially hard. If you're facing urgent bills, don't hesitate to simultaneously request exceptional assistance from your CAF. Explain your recent separation — this is exactly the kind of situation for which CAF's social action fund exists.