🇫🇷 France: Simulateur APL CAF (Housing Assistance)

The 2021-reform APL formula

Since January 2021, APL is computed on a "contemporaneous" basis (revenus N-1, refreshed quarterly) using the legal formula:

APL = L + C − Pp

where L is the rent capped at the zone ceiling, C is a flat forfait for charges (€58.08 single person, 2024), and Pp is the personal participation, a function of the household resources R, an abattement R₀, and a participation rate Tp.

• • Zone 1 ceiling: €319.30 / month single person
• • Zone 2 ceiling: €278.28 / month single person
• • Zone 3 ceiling: €260.82 / month single person
• • Student forfait ressources: €6,400 (foyer/chambre), €8,400 (elsewhere), €0 if boursier
• • Minimum payable APL: €10/month — below this CAF pays nothing.

Why CROUS rooms get less

A CROUS résidence universitaire or any foyer conventionné is treated as a logement-foyer, which CAF computes with a different official formula — APL = K·(E − Eo) − 5€, where E is a capped rent-and-charges "équivalence" — not the locataire formula above. This simulator approximates that path with a lower loyer ceiling and reduced charges (~€53), which in practice lands the APL around a flat ~€100–€180/month by zone. Treat the foyer/CROUS figure as an estimate and confirm the exact amount with the official CAF simulator. (CROUS rooms restructured into self-contained studios are an exception and follow the ordinary locataire barème.)

International students are eligible from the first month of a valid lease with a residence permit (or short-stay visa converted into a titre de séjour), provided rent is paid in their own name.