Back-to-school can be expensive. Between supplies, clothes, school meals, and transportation, expenses quickly add up.
Fortunately, financial aid and solutions exist to reduce costs. Here's what you need to know to prepare for your child's back-to-school on a limited budget.
The Back-to-School Allowance (ARS) is the primary support for families with school-aged children. This aid is paid by the CAF (Family Allowance Fund) or the MSA (Agricultural Social Mutual Fund) based on income. It applies to children aged 6 to 18 who are enrolled in school.
For the 2026 school year, the amounts are1 :
Payment is scheduled for 19 August 2026 in mainland France. For children under 16, payment is automatic if your CAF file is up to date. For young people aged 16 to 18, you must declare their schooling on the CAF website before the start of the school year.1, 2.
The schools have a welfare fund.
This assistance can fund:
💬 To apply, contact :
The application process is usually straightforward. Middle school and high school scholarships can also assist low-income families. Applications are typically submitted at the beginning of the school year.3.
Many local authorities offer additional assistance:
These forms of assistance vary depending on your municipality, department, or region. Check with your local council before school starts3.
Do not buy supplies until you have received the official list.
This helps to:
The list is often available on the school's website or provided before the start of the school year.
Many items can be used for several years.
For example, check:
Before buying new items, take stock of what you already have.
Resource centers, charity shops, and community clothing banks often offer:
Emmaüs organizations and Red Cross shops also sell discounted items. To find an organization near you, search for the "materials" category on Soliguide.
📖 To learn more: Resource centers and solidarity shops: where to buy at low prices?
The price of school meals often depends on household income.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you can apply for:
Contact:
In some municipalities, families receiving RSA benefits can access the canteen for free3.
In many regions, school transportation is free or heavily subsidized.
Some local authorities offer:
Inquire with your region or town hall to find out about the schemes available in 20262.
The extracurricular activitiess can represent a significant budget.
Several types of aid are available:
These aids can often be combined2,3.
Soliguide lists aid organizations for free across France.
You can find:
To find help, simply enter your city or postal code.
📖 To learn more: How to find food assistance near you?
Soliguide is available:
Soliguide is free, anonymous, and requires no registration.
The main forms of aid are the Back-to-School Allowance (ARS), school grants, school hardship funds, and certain local aid programs.
Families with school-aged children aged 6 to 18 can receive it, subject to income requirements.
For children under 16, payment is usually automatic if your CAF file is up to date.
You must declare their schooling to the CAF before the start of the school year.
Contact your town hall, the CCAS, or the school social worker.
You can visit a reuse center, a charity thrift store, an Emmaus community, or a Red Cross shop.
It depends on your region. Some local authorities offer free services or reduced fares.
Yes. The ARS, local aid, social funds, and certain activity-related aid can be combined depending on your situation.
You can use Soliguide to search for available services in your city.
Yes. Soliguide is a free, anonymous service accessible without registration.
1. Service-Public.fr - Back-to-school allowance 2026: amounts and payment date
2. Economie.gouv.fr - Back to school: what aid is available to you?
3. IJ Hauts-de-France - Back to school: financial aid
