If you’re an international student living in France, knowing how to do the APL request (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) can help reduce your housing costs significantly. APL is a French housing benefit available to students, including internationals, to help them cover their rent. If you’re unsure how to go about it, our YouTube tutorial provides a detailed, visual guide on the process of applying for APL. Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials, adding key points, required documents, and important considerations for your APL request.
Let’s get started and understand how to do the APL request easily !
What is APL and Who is Eligible? 🏡
APL (Personalized Housing Assistance) is a financial aid provided by the French government through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). It’s designed to help students (including international ones) pay their rent. You can benefit from APL if you’re renting a place in France, whether it’s a studio, shared apartment, or a university residence.
For international students, securing APL is also possible : our tutorial explains every step! Plus, below we’ve summarized the key documents and criteria you need to get started.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for APL? 📑
Before starting your application for APL, make sure you have all the required documents ready:
- CAF Account: You need to have a CAF account. If you haven’t created one yet, check out our CAF account creation tutorial.
- Rental Contract: You’ll need the signed rental agreement of your current residence.
- Banking Information (IBAN and BIC): CAF requires your French bank account details to send the financial aid. Discover how to open a french bank account easily !
- Proof of Income (if applicable): Even if you’re a student, CAF may ask for details about any income you receive, especially if you have a work in France. Prepare your paychecks and if needed, read this article to understand the difference between salaire brut and salaire net in France.
- Social Security Number or Provisional CAF Number: If you are already registered with French Social Security, you will need your social security number. If not, you can use a temporary identifier sent by CAF when you registered (you received it by mail).
Key Steps to Apply for APL 📝
Our YouTube video breaks down the entire process in detail, but here’s a quick summary to give you an idea of how it works:
- Log into your CAF account on their official website using your credentials.
- Go to the “Aide et démarches” section and select “Demande d’aide au logement”.
- Complete the required personal and housing information, including your rental details, move-in date, and housing type.
- Confirm your professional situation (whether you are a student, employed, or both).
- Upload the necessary documents, including your rental contract and bank details.
- Submit your application and wait for CAF to process it. You can track your request status through your CAF account.
For a more comprehensive walkthrough, including how to answer specific questions about your housing type, shared living arrangements, and more, refer to our YouTube tutorial.
Tips for International Students Applying for APL ✨
Applying for APL as an international student comes with unique challenges. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
- French Bank Account: To receive APL, you’ll need a French bank account, as CAF requires IBAN and BIC numbers for the payment. If you haven’t opened one yet, consider doing so early in your stay.
- CAF Delays: Keep in mind that it can take a while for CAF to process your request and start issuing payments. It’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible after moving into your accommodation.
Need help with the APL ? 🤯
We know that even with our tutorial, requesting the APL can be difficult. It’s easy to get stuck between all the infos to give. That’s why we’re here for you ! 🫶🏻
FAQ on how to do the APL request (Personalized Housing Assistance)
APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) is a financial aid provided by the French government to help students, including international students, pay their rent. To be eligible, you must rent a place in France and meet certain conditions, such as having a rental contract and, in most cases, a French bank account.
CAF typically takes a few weeks to process APL requests, but it can take longer, especially during busy periods like the start of the academic year. You can track the status of your application through your CAF account.
Yes, to receive APL payments, you will need a French bank account, as CAF requires IBAN and BIC numbers to transfer the funds. If you don’t have one, we recommend opening one as soon as possible.
Yes, you can apply for APL even if you live in shared accommodation, but only for your portion of the rent. Make sure your name is on the rental contract or you have a formal agreement with your landlord.
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