Why declarations matter: the 60-day rule
CAF calculates your benefits based on your declared situation. When something changes, you must notify CAF within 60 days. Missing this window doesn't mean you lose the right to benefits — but it can generate overpayments (indus) that you'll have to repay later, sometimes years later when CAF reconciles your declarations against your tax return. The 60-day rule exists to protect you as much as to protect the system.
Changes that must be declared
- Income changes: new job, salary increase or decrease, starting/stopping self-employment, receiving or stopping another benefit
- Household changes: moving in with a partner, separation, divorce, someone moving into or out of your home
- Change of address: moving within France or abroad
- Family changes: birth, adoption, death, a child leaving home
- Employment status: starting work after unemployment, losing a job, going on sick leave, retirement
- Student status: completing studies, starting studies
How to declare on caf.fr
Log into your CAF account at caf.fr, go to "Mes démarches" and find the relevant declaration form. Most changes can be declared online in a few minutes. Upload any supporting documents requested (new lease agreement, employment contract, birth certificate, etc.).
💡 Set a calendar reminder when any significant life change happens — it's easy to intend to declare "soon" and then forget. The 60-day window runs from the date of the change, not from when you notice it.
What happens if you declare late
If you declare a change late, CAF will recalculate your benefits from the date the change actually happened. Any benefits paid in excess of what you were entitled to become an "indu" — a debt to CAF. You'll receive a repayment notice. You can request an instalment plan or, in cases of genuine hardship, a partial waiver.
Changes that may increase your benefits
Not all changes reduce your benefits — some increase them:
- A salary decrease or job loss may increase APL or RSA eligibility
- Separation may open new entitlements (single-parent supplements)
- A new baby opens PAJE and prime à la naissance
If your situation has improved (more income), declare promptly to avoid overpayments. If it's worsened, also declare promptly — you may be losing benefits you're now entitled to.