APL rent and income ceilings 2026 by zone. Official CAF rates and eligibility conditions.
Free simulation based on CAF 2026 rates
APL is calculated on a capped rent. If your actual rent exceeds your zone's ceiling, only the ceiling is used in the calculation.
| 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.
APL has no strict income ceiling: the amount gradually decreases according to your income. Here are the indicative thresholds beyond which the aid becomes very low or zero:
| Household composition | Indicative threshold (net monthly income) |
|---|---|
| 1 single person | ~€1,063/month |
| Couple (2 people) | ~€1,432/month |
| 3 people (couple + 1 child) | ~€1,722/month |
| 4 people (couple + 2 children) | ~€2,011/month |
| 5 people and more | ~€2,301/month |
If your rent is higher than your zone's ceiling, you do not lose the right to APL. However, the aid calculation will be based only on the ceiling, not on your actual rent.
This is why it is important to know your zone's ceilings before choosing housing. A rent close to the ceiling will maximise the ratio between your actual rent and the APL received.
APL works with a progressive reduction system (tapering). There is no abrupt cut-off: as your income increases, your personal contribution increases and the APL amount decreases.
Maximum APL. Minimum personal contribution.
APL reduced proportionally. Personal contribution increases with a progressive coefficient.
Zero or residual APL. Personal contribution exceeds the capped rent + charge allowance.
Since 2021, the CAF applies contemporary income assessment: your income is reassessed every 3 months. If your income decreases, your APL will be automatically adjusted upwards.
The APL rent ceiling in 2026 depends on the zone and household composition. For a single person: 279 euros in zone 1, 245 euros in zone 2 and 226 euros in zone 3. These ceilings increase with the number of people in the household.
If your rent exceeds the ceiling, APL is calculated on the basis of your zone's ceiling and not on your actual rent. You do not lose the right to APL, but the amount paid will not cover your entire rent. The difference remains at your expense.
There is no strict income ceiling for APL. The amount of aid gradually decreases as your income increases, according to a coefficient system. Beyond certain thresholds (approximately 1,063 euros/month for a single person), the aid becomes very low or zero.
No, rent ceilings increase with the size of the household. For example in zone 1, the ceiling goes from 279 euros for a single person to 338 euros for a couple (2 people). Each additional person increases the ceiling.
Your APL zone depends on your municipality. Zone 1: Paris and neighbouring municipalities. Zone 2: urban areas with over 100,000 inhabitants and the rest of Ile-de-France. Zone 3: all other municipalities. Use our simulator to automatically determine your zone from your postcode.
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