Housing assistance: what steps should you take to benefit from it?

First, make sure you have a valid email address. Then, before you begin your application, check that you have all the necessary supporting documents on hand. To do this, prepare the following documents:

- a copy of your identity document (identity card, passport or residence permit) - a copy of your Vitale card (or a certificate of entitlement) - your lease - your account statements with the current amount of your assets and savings, as well as those of all the people who share your household - your bank account details (RIB) You must also prepare: - proof of resources for your entire household, which vary depending on your situation (salaries, unemployment benefits, retirement pension, disability pension, etc.). This proof must cover years M-2 to M-13, i.e. if you apply in September 2023, the period concerned will be from August 2022 to July 2023. - your latest tax notices

Step 2: Fill out the form

Visit the website of the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) or the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA), depending on your situation. Create an account if you don't already have one.

Once logged in, on the website's homepage, click on the "Help and procedures" menu, then on "My procedures". Under the "Apply for a benefit online" section, click on "Housing" then on "Apply".

Fill out the form, which will ask you to provide your situation (basic information about you and your household members), your accommodation (indicate whether you are a tenant or owner, and provide details of your accommodation), your resources (declare your income and that of other household members and attach the necessary supporting documents), and your bank details (so you can receive benefits). The entire process will take approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Submit your application and track your file

At the end of your application, the estimated amount of your housing assistance is displayed. The supporting documents to be sent to the Caf (or MSA) are indicated. They can be sent later via the "My Procedures" section. In this area, you can also track the progress of your application, up until its processing (this step can take several weeks). Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a notification by mail or email regarding the acceptance or rejection of your application.

Step 4: Don't forget to report any changes in your situation