Here is the amount paid in 2026 to parents who stop or reduce their professional activity to raise their child under 3 years old.
Parents who decide to take a break from their professional activity or reduce it to raise their child under the age of three can claim the shared child education benefit (PrePaRe), which aims to partly compensate for the reduction in income within the household. This aid from Caf therefore depends on your percentage of professional activity. For example, if a parent decides to stop their activity completely, they can receive 459.69 euros per monthpaid by the Caf (Family Allowance Fund) or the MSA (Agricultural Social Mutuality). But for how long?
What is the amount of PreParE in 2026?
The amount of PreParE is calculated based on the situation and activity rate of the parent taking the leave. In 2026 (amounts in effect from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027), the amount of the child’s shared education benefit amounts to:
- 459.69 euros per month in the event of total cessation of activity,
- 297.17 euros per month for activity equal to or less than 50%,
- 171.42 euros per month for a working period between 50% and 80%.
How long does PreParE last?
The duration of this leave compensated by the Family Allowance Fund increases from six months maximum to one year if both parents stop working when it is their first child. These 12 months are therefore to be shared between the two parents, for one duration of six months maximum each. Of course, single parents can take the 12 months until the child’s 1st birthday.
From the second baby, PREPARE can be paid to parents until their child is three years old (and until the age of six if you have given birth to triplets). To benefit from it, however, parents must share the duration of parental leave since a parent can only take a maximum of two years. It is therefore up to the second to take the remaining 12 months to reach the child’s three years.
Good to know: “you can benefit from PreParE for two months in addition to your salary if you have several children and one of them is between 18 and 29 months old, or if you return to full-time or part-time professional activity”specifies Caf.
Can we extend or renew the duration of parental leave?
Payment of the PreParE allowance can be extended under certain conditions, in particular if you have two dependent children, your income is lower than the family supplement ceiling or if you have not found a place in a crèche or other childcare for your baby. In this case, you continue to benefit from the benefit until the month of September following your child’s birthday deadline.
Moreover, the duration of parental leave can be extended. If you have chosen to take a year off for the birth of your child, it is possible to renew its duration twice so that your leave ends no later than your child’s third birthday.
Who can benefit from PreParE?
- All parents whose children are aged less than 3 years old (or under 20 years of age in the event of adoption), and who cease their professional activity.
- Parents who work part-time or are considering doing so to care for their children are also affected.
- To benefit from it, you must prove at least 8 quarters in the last two years if it is a first child, in the last four years if it is a second child and in the last five years for a third child. Furthermore, no pension, unemployment benefit, daily health insurance allowance or paid leave must be received for benefit from PreParE.
- Finally, PreParE can be assigned to one parent or both. They can perceive it at the same time or successively.
What steps must be taken to obtain PreParE?
If you meet the conditions that allow you to benefit from PreParEgo to the website www.caf.fr (“Find out about aid” section) to download Cerfa form n°12324*05 request and situation declaration. You will then just need to return these completed documents to your Caf.
When to apply for PreParE at Caf?
The PreParE request must be made to the Caf at the end of parental leaveOr “as soon as the leave is taken if it does not begin immediately after maternity leave”, specifies the Caf website.
How long does the PreParE payment last?
There duration of parental leave payment depends on your family situation, particularly if you already have children. If you live as a couple, for example, be aware that both parents can benefit from this benefit for a period of 24 months maximumuntil the youngest’s third birthday. If you live alone, PreParE may be granted to you until the third birthday of your child. On the other hand, if you and your spouse choose to cease your activity during the same month, the total amount of the two rights cannot be combined.
