Parents who have their child looked after by a childminder, a nanny, a family crèche, a micro-crèche or a childcare service can benefit from this assistance from the Caf.
THE free choice of childcare supplement (CMG) helps reduce the cost of caring for young children under 6 years old. This assistance from the Caf or the MSA applies regardless of the type of childcare chosen: approved childminder, home daycare, family crèche, micro-crèche or childcare structure. This assistance is part of the childcare benefit (Paje) and covers part of the expenses. As a bonus, parent employers can take advantage of a tax credit to further reduce the bill.
CMG: what amount in 2026 for a childminder or nanny?
The monthly amount of the CMG depends on the monthly resources of the household, the number of dependent children, the hourly cost of your employee and the number of hours of childcare per month. Note that Caf always covers social security contributions, in full or in part. Find out more about your situation and needs from the Pajemploi website if you are the direct employer. Finally, if you use a childminder or home childcare, please note that there is no limit to the amount of your CMG: all hours of childcare are taken into account in its calculation.
Amount of the CMG for a structure (home childcare service, micro-crèche or family crèche):
| Age | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Child under 3 years old | Between 718.41 euros and 992.13 euros |
| From 3 to 6 years old | Between 359.21 euros and 496.07 euros |
What are the ceilings that must not be exceeded to benefit from the CMG?
Here are the current income limits for the complement of childcare, for a couple. Note that these resource ceilings are increased by 40% for single-parent families.
| Dependent child(ren) | Tranche 1 | Slice 2 | Slice 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | < 24,333 euros | Between 24,333 and 54,075 euros | > 54,075 euros |
| 2 children | <27,786 euros | Between 27,786 and 61,751 euros | > 61,751 euros |
| 3 children | < 31,239 euros | Between 31,239 and 69,427 euros | > 69,427 euros |
| Per additional child | + 3,453 euros | + 7,676 euros | + 7,676 euros |
Up to what age can you receive CMG?
Previously, to receive supplementary assistance for free choice of childcare mode, your child must be under 6 years old. But since September 1, 2025, the CMG has been extended “at 12 years old for children whose parents are isolated”. If you use a childminder, a nanny or a micro-crèche, the care must be at least 16 hours per month. This rule does not apply if you hire someone directly. Another new feature, in the event of alternating residence, “each of the two parents can be recognized as a beneficiary” if he meets the conditions to benefit from the aid.
What are the conditions for benefiting from the CMG?
Depending on the type of custody, the conditions are not the same. If you have chosen a live-in nanny or childminder, this is the “direct employment” CMG. The Caf pays aid to parents who are gainfully employed and who employ an approved professional. Their gross salary must not exceed 58.25 euros per day and per child looked after.
In case you resort to an authorized association or company which employs a childminder or a person at home, this is the “structure” CMG. You can benefit from this free choice of childcare supplement if the child is looked after at least 16 hours in the month. If you use a micro-crècheyou can benefit from this additional free choice of childcare method if the child is looked after for at least 16 hours in the month and if the hourly rate charged is not more than 10 euros per child looked after.
What are the steps to obtain the CMG?
To benefit from the free choice of childcare supplement (CMG), make your request to Caf as soon as your employee is hiredincluding during the trial period. The Caf will then transmit the information to the Pajemploi center, and you will only have to declare the salary each month. Be careful, if you delay in applying, you could lose part of the aid.
Please note that the Pajemploi center calculates the contributions paid by Caf and tells you the portion that remains your responsibility. For example, social security contributions are 100% for the employment of an approved childminder and 50% for the employment of a home daycare provider. Finally, the employment certificate, which is equivalent to the pay slip, is sent directly to the employee. If you have already made the birth declaration of your child to Caf, You can directly make the request online by logging into your Caf account.
