Who receives family benefits and allowances in a couple?
Verified 16 November 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
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Parents living in the same household
As parents, you live in the same household and together assume responsibility for effective and permanent load on your child.
You must designate, by mutual agreement, the parent who is entitled to family benefits. This parent is called the beneficiary.
This choice (said right of option) can be done at any time.
You can no longer change the designation of the beneficiary parent for 1 year, unless there is a change in circumstances (e.g. divorce).
In case of separation, you must contact the Caf: titleContent . The process varies depending on whether you are the recipient or not.
If you do not designate a beneficiary, the family benefits are paid to the mother.
Separated Parents
General case
In the event of separation, benefits are paid to the parent in which the child lives. This parent is called the beneficiary.
If you are married, this separation translates into:
- A divorce
- Or a legal or de facto separation.
If you are in a cohabitation, this separation results in a cessation of living together.
Alternate custody
Of special rules shall apply in the case of alternate custody.
These rules vary depending on who you are agree or disagree on the designation of the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
If you are covered by the general scheme
Family Allowance Fund (Caf)If you're under the farm plan
Mutual Social Agricultural Organization (MSA)
- Social Security Code: Articles R513-1 and R513-2Rules for the allocation and award of family benefits
- What to do if you separateNational Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)