Before planning a family vacation, or a summer camp for your children, remember to check the Vacaf aid to which you are entitled. Amounts, conditions, procedures… here is the essential thing to know about the AVF and AVE schemes, which can greatly reduce your budget.
If your budget does not allow you to go this summer, know that assistance exists to finance part of your stay. The Caf and the MSA offer the system Vacafwhich includes thefamily vacation assistance (AVF) and theholiday assistance for children (AVE). This aid covers up to 70% of costs, depending on the family quotient and certain criteria which may vary from one Caf to another.
What holidays can you choose with Vacaf aid?
In France, more than 6,000 Vacaf-certified centers and establishments offer the possibility of staying with family by the sea, in the mountains or in the countryside. Depending on your Caf or MSA, these accommodations may include houses, campsites (tents, caravans, mobile homes, chalets) or even apartments. You can opt for the formula that suits you: full board or half board to avoid shopping and cooking, or rental for more freedom. Stays are also possible abroadprovided that they take place in a Vacaf-certified center. For children, the choice extends to colonies in France or abroad, with stays focused on languages, sport, art or culture. The duration is generally limited to 14 nights, and AVE assistance is only granted once a year.
To use the assistance to which you are entitled, it’s quite simple. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be informed during the first quarter of the calendar year by post or by email indicating the amount of your support. Once you have received your notification of entitlement to holiday aid, here is what to do:
- Then go to the vacaf.org website.
- Choose the vacation department then the type of accommodation and services.
- Once you have made your choice, call the establishment, they will then calculate the amount of your aid and your remaining costs.
- If it suits you, simply send a deposit to confirm your reservation.
- One month before departure, all you have to do is pay the remainder.
In case you have not received notification, but you think you are entitled to family vacation assistance, you can contact the department of your Caf or your MSA.
How to benefit from family vacation assistance (AVF)?
Parents who are eligible for family vacation assistance (AVF) must meet some conditions :
- Be a beneficiary
- Receive a family benefit from Caf or MSA.
- Have one or more dependent children. The age criteria for children are specific to each department.
- Have a family quotient between less than or equal to 700 euros, variable depending on CAF and MSA.
How much is the AVF?
The amount of family vacation assistance is variable. It depends on your family situation and your family quotient, but also on the organization you belong to. For example, this year, at the Café de Paristhe amount of AVF can go up to a maximum of 1,100 euros per stay for a family with three or more children. To the Café de Saône-sur-Loirefor a family quotient between 0 and 500 euros, the maximum amount is 520 euros and at Café de la Gironde for a family quotient between 0 and 350 euros, aid is capped at 600 euros.
AVF support is calculated on the cost of accommodation and therefore on the rental of accommodation or pitch, to which is added catering in the case of a full board or half board package. Generally speaking, Caf and MSA support up to 70 % of the cost of the stay. Note that the AVF can be combined with leisure vouchers (or ATL free time assistance), granted by Caf and the MSA.
Who can benefit from child vacation assistance (AVE)?
The conditions to benefit from help with children’s holidays (AVE) were re-evaluated in 2026, to allow as many children as possible to go to summer camp or camp. All eligible beneficiaries receive a notification in their “My account” space on the Caf website or application.
- Be a beneficiary of a family benefit from Caf or MSA.
- Have one or more dependent children.
- Have a family quotient less than or equal to 950 euros.
How much is the eTA?
There AVE support is calculated in relation to the cost of the stay and the accommodation chosen. In principle, on this aid, Caf and MSA participate to the tune of 40 % to 70 %. Please note that the AVE can also be combined with leisure vouchers (or ATL), paid by the Caf and the MSA, as well as with the Pass Colo, another state aid which can reach up to 350 euros, specifically for children aged 11. The amount of the eTA varies depending on your family situation, your financial situation and the organization you depend on.
- Holiday aid, here we go! Caf: https://www.caf.fr/allocataires/actualites/actualites-nationales/les-aides-aux-vacances-c-est-parti
