What is the prime à la naissance?
The prime à la naissance is a one-off cash payment from the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) to families following the birth (or adoption) of a child. In 2026, the amount is approximately €1,015 for a first or second child, and higher for subsequent children. It's paid once — at the end of the 7th month of pregnancy for a birth, or at adoption. The payment is means-tested based on household income.
The 60-day deadline: do not miss it
This is the most important thing to know: the prime à la naissance must be claimed within 60 days of the birth (or adoption). Miss this deadline and the payment is permanently lost — CAF does not make exceptions or extensions. The 60-day window runs from the actual date of birth, not from when you get home from hospital.
⚠️ Permanent loss after 60 days. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Claim immediately when you return home from the maternity ward — even if you're exhausted, even if it feels premature. It takes 15 minutes online.
Income conditions: do you qualify?
The prime à la naissance is subject to income conditions based on your household's reference tax income (revenu fiscal de référence). The thresholds are regularly updated. Use the eligibility simulator at caf.fr to check whether your household income qualifies before applying.
How to claim step by step
- Log into your CAF account at caf.fr (or create one if you don't have one)
- Navigate to "Mes démarches" and find the birth declaration form
- Complete the form with the child's details
- Upload the required documents (birth certificate or livret de famille, proof of address, both parents' identity documents and residence permits if non-EU)
- Submit — CAF processes within 2 to 4 weeks
The payment is typically made during the 7th month of pregnancy for planned births — if you haven't applied yet and the baby has arrived, apply immediately.
What else to claim at the same time
When claiming the prime à la naissance, also start the process for:
- Allocation de base PAJE — monthly payment until the child turns 3
- APL or ALS — housing benefit may increase with a new child
- Complément de mode de garde — if you'll use childcare
- Allocations familiales — if this is your second or subsequent child