Why did you receive an overpayment notice?
A CAF indu (overpayment) means you received more benefits than you were entitled to during a past period. Common causes:
- You didn't declare a change in situation (new job, salary increase, move, new relationship, end of studies) within the required 60-day window
- Your annual CAF recalculation (done each September based on your previous year's tax return) showed your income was higher than previously declared
- A calculation error by CAF
- Benefits that were incorrectly applied to your account
First: verify the calculation
Before paying or challenging, request a detailed breakdown from CAF — they're legally required to provide one. Compare it against your own income records and declarations. CAF calculation errors are not uncommon. If you find a discrepancy, that's your grounds for a challenge.
Challenging an overpayment you believe is wrong
You have exactly 2 months from the notification date to file an administrative appeal (recours administratif préalable obligatoire — RAPO) with your CAF. Your letter must:
- Identify the specific error in CAF's calculation
- Explain why you believe the amount is incorrect
- Reference the specific period in question
- Attach supporting documents (payslips, bank statements, declaration records)
If your challenge is valid, CAF will correct or cancel the overpayment.
Accepting the overpayment but can't pay
If the overpayment is legitimate but you cannot pay it back immediately, you have two options:
- Instalment plan (remboursement échelonné): request monthly payments over 12, 24, or 36 months. Attach bank statements and proof of outgoings to demonstrate what you can afford.
- Partial or full waiver (remise de dette): if you're in genuine financial hardship, CAF can cancel all or part of the debt. This requires evidence of serious difficulty — it's not automatic but it exists.
What happens if you do nothing
Ignoring a CAF overpayment notice is the worst option. CAF will deduct the amount from future benefit payments — potentially stopping your APL or other essential benefits entirely. In serious or repeated cases, a bailiff can be instructed. Responding — even just to request a payment plan — is always better than silence.