Family allowances cease at the 20th birthday of the child in the general case. This age limit, set by Article L. 512-1 of the Social Security Code, does not tell the whole story: several mechanisms extend or modify the right depending on the composition of the household, the territory of residence, and the income of the child themselves.
Child’s income ceiling and maintenance of the right to family allowances
A child under 20 who works can remain dependent, but only if their net monthly income does not exceed 55% of the net minimum wage. Beyond that, the CAF considers that they are no longer effectively and permanently dependent, which results in the loss of rights for that child.
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We observe that this threshold is often misunderstood by families. It applies to each child individually, not to the household. An apprenticeship contract or a part-time student job can be enough to shift the calculation if the net income crosses this threshold.
The question of how long family allowances are paid until what age therefore depends as much on the child’s professional activity as on their birthday.
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The criterion of effective and permanent dependency (food, housing, clothing) is also cumulative with the income criterion. A child living elsewhere than with the beneficiary, even if they earn little, may no longer be considered dependent.
Flat-rate allowance after 20: the limit extended to 21 for large families
When a child turns 20 in a family with at least three children, a flat-rate allowance can be paid until the month before their 21st birthday. This system compensates for the loss of a rank in the calculation of family allowances.
This flat-rate allowance is not automatic for all families. It only concerns households that had at least three dependent children before the 20th birthday of the eldest. Its amount is significantly lower than that of classic family allowances.
The confusion between “dependent child” and “child entitled to family allowances” is common. A 20-year-old can still be considered dependent for other benefits (housing allowances, family supplement) until 21, without generating a right to the family allowances themselves.
Increase at 18: the change since March 2026
Since March 1, 2026, the age-related increase is triggered at 18 for children born on or after March 1, 2012. This change alters the timing of when the amount of allowances increases, without affecting the cessation limit at 20.
In practice, families whose child turns 18 receive an increased amount during the last two years of entitlement. For children born before this reference date, the old increase schedule continues to apply.
This discrepancy creates a transitional period where two regimes coexist within the same sibling group. We recommend checking on the CAF account the birth date recorded for each child to anticipate the actual amount received.
Residence in France: the 9-month rule since 2025
The residence criterion has been tightened. Since January 1, 2025, the beneficiary must reside in France for at least 9 months a year, compared to 6 months previously. This condition also applies to the child.
A child who leaves the territory for more than 3 months will have their allowances suspended, except in exceptions:
- Studies or medical care in a bordering country with regular returns to the family
- Stay abroad for language learning in a recognized framework
- Situations covered by bilateral social security agreements
For partially expatriated families or cross-border workers, this rule can block payment even if the age condition is met. Compliance with the 9 months is verified over the calendar year.
DROM: a right from the first child
In mainland France, family allowances require at least two dependent children. In overseas departments and regions, the right opens from the first child. The age limit remains the same (20 years), but the financial impact of a birthday is more direct since a single child turning 20 eliminates the entire benefit.
This territorial difference also affects the flat-rate allowance: it only applies to families with three children or more, including in the DROM.
Resource conditions and adjustment of the amount
Family allowances are adjusted according to the household’s resources. Three brackets exist, determined by the net taxable income of year N-2. The number of dependent children varies the resource ceilings:
- Bracket 1 (lowest incomes): full amount
- Bracket 2 (intermediate incomes): amount divided by two
- Bracket 3 (highest incomes): amount divided by four
Exceeding the ceiling does not eliminate the right but reduces the amount. The benefit continues to be paid as long as the age and dependency conditions are met, regardless of income level.
The age limit for family allowances may seem simple at first glance, but it varies according to the number of children, the territory, the child’s income, and the birth date for the increase. Checking each criterion individually on the CAF account remains the most reliable method to avoid unpleasant surprises as the 20th birthday approaches.