Moving is expensive, and the bill rises even further in summer, when demand explodes. Yet part of the expenses can be eased by public schemes that are often overlooked. As the summer peak of boxes is in full swing, let's review the moving assistance 2026: who can benefit, for what amounts, and above all within what deadlines to act to leave nothing on the table.
The CAF moving grant, reserved for large families
The most generous scheme remains the CAF moving grant (or from the MSA for the agricultural system). It reimburses the actual expenses incurred, up to 1 147,58 € for three dependent children for the period from April 2026 to March 2027, with an increase of 95,63 € per additional child.
However, this aid is not open to everyone. Three conditions must be met: having at least three dependent children, born or to be born; moving within a specific window, between the month following the end of the third month of pregnancy and the day before the second birthday of the youngest child; and receiving APL or ALF for the new housing. Good news: there is no means test. However, the application must imperatively be submitted within six months following the move, with the form and supporting documents (mover's invoice or receipts for vehicle rental, fuel, tolls). After this deadline, the application is refused.
For job seekers: mobility assistance
When the move accompanies a return to work, France Travail can take over. Its mobility assistance, renewed in 2026, is aimed at people who have to travel more than 60 kilometers for an interview, training or to start a job. It covers travel expenses at a rate of 0,23 € per kilometer, accommodation up to 31,20 € per night and meals on a flat rate of 6,25 € per day, within the overall limit of 5 200 € per year. A helpful boost for those whose mobility conditions their return to employment.
Other measures to know about
The landscape doesn't stop there. Several schemes can be combined depending on the situation:
- The FSL (Fonds de solidarité pour le logement), managed by the departments, can finance part of the installation costs for low-income households.
- The Loca-Pass from Action Logement, a zero-interest loan that advances the security deposit for the new lease.
- Mobili-Jeune, intended for those under 30 on work-study contracts, to reduce the rent.
- The AIP (aide à l'installation des personnels), for civil service agents who change residence.
Note, however: the Mobili-Pass of Action Logement has not accepted new applications since 1 July 2023. It's therefore best to check, scheme by scheme, what remains open before building your budget.
The golden rule: anticipate the steps
All these aids have one thing in common: they follow strict deadlines and supporting documents. Keeping every invoice, declaring your change of address to the relevant organizations and submitting applications without delay are the habits that make the difference. Well coordinated, these steps can turn a feared expense item into a controlled budget. To go further, our sections Practical Life & Society, Family, Baby & Child and Real Estate regularly detail everyday rights and procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CAF moving grant subject to a means test?
No. It depends on the number of dependent children (at least three) and on receiving a housing benefit for the new home, but no income ceiling is applied. It reimburses actual expenses within the set limit.
Within what time frame must you submit your application?
The application must reach CAF (or MSA) within six months following the move. Beyond that, it can no longer be processed, regardless of the amount of expenses incurred.
Can you combine several moving aids?
Yes, in many cases. The FSL, Loca-Pass, Mobili-Jeune or the mobility assistance address different situations and can complement each other. Each scheme has its own conditions: you therefore need to check your eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Sources
- CAF — The moving grant, an underused aid for large families
- Aide-sociale.fr — Moving aids 2026
- SVP — France Travail mobility aids maintained in 2026
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