A boost for the budget of low-income families with the Back to School Allowance

A boost for the budget of low-income families. This Tuesday, August 18, the Family Allowance Funds will pay the back-to-school allowance (ARS) intended to help, subject to means conditions, low-income families with children in school, students or apprentices, aged 6 to 18. Nearly three million families, or 5 million children, will benefit from it in 2026, the National Family Allowance Fund (Cnaf) said in a press release on Monday.

Aid is paid to families whose resources for the year 2024 do not exceed 28,956 euros for one child, 35,638 euros for two children, 42,320 euros for three children. Payment is automatic, except for parents of children under 6 years old and entering CP during the year, or between 16 and 18 years old, who must provide a school certificate online in their personal space.

The amount is 426.87 euros for children 6 to 10 years old, 450.41 euros for 11 to 14 year olds and 466.02 euros for 15 to 18 year olds.

Families spend on average 1,315 euros per child per year on schooling, including nearly 400 euros at the start of the school year for essential purchases, approximately the amount of the ARS, indicates the Cnaf. Two thirds of these costs are linked to clothing, the canteen and school supplies, according to Cnaf. Added to this are school insurance, sports or leisure equipment and extracurricular activities. Expenditure per child decreases with the number of children in the family. They increase with income and educational level.