Each start of the school year generates significant costs for parents. In order to support families, the back-to-school allowance is being renewed for 2025. This aid, subject to means tests, allows millions of households to finance their children's educational needs.
The back-to-school allowance is granted to families with at least one child in school, provided that their income does not exceed certain thresholds. For the year 2025, these ceilings were raised, under a decree dating from December 2024. From now on, a family with one child must not exceed 28,444 euros in annual income to receive this aid. This threshold increases by 6,564 euros for each additional dependent child. Thus, for two children, the ceiling rises to 35,008 euros, and to 41,572 euros for three children.
This revaluation of the ceilings makes it possible to take into account the increase in the cost of living, particularly with regard to school supplies and other expenses linked to the start of the school year. The objective is to support the most modest families in the face of these costs.
The amounts of the back-to-school allowance expected in April
The amounts of the back-to-school allowance vary depending on the age of the children. Although the exact amounts for 2025 are not yet confirmed, they are expected to remain close to those paid last year. In 2024, the amounts were as follows: 416.40 euros for children aged 6 to 10, 439.38 euros for children aged 11 to 14 and 454.59 euros for adolescents aged 15 to 18.
These amounts will be officially revalued in April, depending on changes in economic indices and the needs of families. The procedures for benefiting from ARS differ depending on the parents' situation. Families already receiving CAF or MSA benefits do not need to take any special steps for children aged 6 to 15, because payment is automatic. On the other hand, for children under 6 years old entering CP, parents must provide a school certificate.
Likewise, for children aged 16 to 18, it is necessary to declare their schooling or apprenticeship on the website of the organization to which they depend. Parents who are not yet beneficiaries must create an online account, download the application form, complete it, and return it to their benefit office. This simplified process aims to ensure that all eligible families can receive aid before the start of the school year.
Essential help for low-income families
The back-to-school allowance is a breath of fresh air for many households, especially those with a limited budget. It makes it possible to finance part of the expenses linked to the start of the school year, such as the purchase of supplies, clothing or even digital equipment essential in the school setting. With the recent price increases observed in many sectors, this aid is more crucial than ever to support families with their children's education.
In 2025, the readjustments of ceilings and the simplification of procedures demonstrate the desire of public authorities to maintain targeted support adapted to the needs of the most vulnerable households.
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