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2026 rates

APL Amount 2026: how much will you receive?

Official CAF rates, amounts by zone and profile. Concrete calculation examples and free simulation.

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Average amounts by profile

Single student

100 - 250 €/month
depending on geographic zone

Couple without children

150 - 300 €/month
depending on geographic zone

Family with 1 child

180 - 350 €/month
depending on geographic zone

Family with 2+ children

200 - 400 €/month
depending on geographic zone
These amounts are indicative ranges for low income. Use our simulator for a personalised estimate.

APL rent ceilings 2026 (CAF rates)

The rent taken into account for APL calculation is capped. Beyond these amounts, the surplus is not covered.

Zone 1 pers. 2 pers. 3 pers. 4 pers. 5 pers.+
Zone 1
Paris, Île-de-France
€279 €338 €390 €433 €477
Zone 2
Major cities
€245 €297 €341 €379 €418
Zone 3
Other municipalities
€226 €274 €316 €351 €386

Source: official CAF 2026 rates. Monthly ceilings excluding charges.

Charge allowance 2026

In addition to the capped rent, the CAF adds a charge allowance of €62/month to the amount taken into account in the APL calculation. This allowance is the same regardless of the geographic zone.

It covers the standard housing charges: water, electricity, heating, etc. Even if your actual charges are higher, this flat-rate amount is used in the calculation.

3 concrete calculation examples

Example 1: Student in Paris (Zone 1)

Rent: €550/month
Capped rent: €279/month
Charge allowance: €62/month
Income: €0 (scholarship not counted)
Estimated APL
~€298
per month

Example 2: Couple in Lyon (Zone 2)

Rent: €700/month
Capped rent: €297/month
Charge allowance: €62/month
Income: €24,000/year
Estimated APL
~€133
per month

Example 3: Family with 2 children in zone 3

Rent: €500/month
Capped rent: €351/month
Charge allowance: €62/month
Income: €18,000/year
Estimated APL
~€285
per month
Important: these examples are estimates based on CAF 2026 rates. The actual amount may vary. Use our simulator for a personalised calculation.

What affects the APL amount

Factors that increase APL

  • High rent (up to the zone ceiling)
  • High housing pressure zone (zone 1)
  • Low or zero income
  • Number of dependents

Factors that reduce APL

  • High household income
  • Assets exceeding €30,000
  • Rent below the zone ceiling
  • Zone 3 (lower ceilings)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average APL amount in 2026?

The average APL amount in 2026 varies depending on the situation. A single student receives on average between 100 and 250 euros per month depending on the zone. A couple without children receives between 150 and 300 euros, and a family with children between 180 and 400 euros. The exact amount depends on rent, geographic zone and household income.

How is the APL amount calculated?

The APL amount is calculated using an official CAF formula that takes into account: the rent (capped by zone), a charge allowance (62 euros/month in 2026), household income and family composition. The calculation is: APL = Capped rent + Charge allowance - Personal contribution.

Does the APL amount change every year?

Yes, APL rates are revalued every year. In 2026, the rent ceilings and charge allowance were updated (+0.9%). Your income is also reassessed every 3 months via the contemporary income assessment implemented by the CAF.

Can you receive more than 400 euros of APL per month?

It is rare but possible for large families in zone 1 (Paris and greater Paris) with very low income and high rent. For a family of 5 or more, the rent ceiling in zone 1 reaches 477 euros, which can entitle them to a substantial APL.

Is the APL amount the same across all of France?

No, the amount varies significantly depending on the geographic zone. France is divided into 3 APL zones: Zone 1 (Paris and greater Paris) with the highest ceilings, Zone 2 (major provincial cities) with intermediate ceilings, and Zone 3 (rest of France) with the lowest ceilings.

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Calculate your APL in 2 minutes

Free simulation based on official CAF 2026 rates. Instant results.

Non-binding estimate. Visit caf.fr for your exact entitlements.