French family benefits drop: millions of households affected

A change in family benefit calculations linked to the 2026 French budget will see millions of families lose up to €900 per year per child in payments. 

Included as part of the delayed 2026 budget, a major change to payment of the allocations familiales or family benefit took place on March 1. 

The family benefit is paid to households with two or more eligible children (aged up to 20), with around 2.4 million households receiving payments.

Previously, once a child turned 14 the portion of the monthly payment related to them was increased to account for the higher costs associated with raising an adolescent (more food, school supplies, etc).

This additional payment, based on household income levels, ranged from €18.88 to €75.53.

Change to fund new parental leave

Now, however, this increase will only take effect from a child turning 18.

With the dependent payments still stopping at age 20, it means families lose out on four years of additional payments for older children. 

A family on the most modest income will lose some €3,600 in payments over the four years, equalling €900 per year. 

For families with multiple children aged between 14 - 18, losses are higher

Note that children turning 14 this year before March 1 are not impacted, and will receive the payments under the previous rules.

The change is estimated to save around €210 million this year, and €1.2 billion over the next four years, an amount the government says will be earmarked for funding upcoming changes to parental leave.

These changes, which will see an additional two months’ worth of leave available for parents, will cost around €600 million per year. It will come into force from July 1, 2026 (as stated in the 2026 Social Security budget).

The reduction in the family benefit is one of several major changes that are taking place this month. Read the others in our round up here.