Unlock VACAF Aid: How Much, How To Apply, and Eligibility Requirements!

If you’re worried about affording a getaway this summer, be aware that there are programs available to fund a portion of your trip. The Caf and MSA offer the Vacaf program, which includes Assistance for Family Vacations (AVF) and Assistance for Children’s Vacations (AVE). These subsidies can cover between 40% and 70% of the costs, depending on your family income and varying criteria from one Caf to another.

What Vacation Options are Available with Vacaf Assistance?

In 2025 in France, nearly 6,332 Vacaf-certified centers and establishments will offer family stays at the beach, in the mountains, or countryside. Depending on your Caf or MSA, these accommodations may include houses, campgrounds (tents, caravans, mobile homes, chalets), or apartments. You can choose the option that suits you best: full or half board to avoid shopping and cooking, or a rental for more freedom. International stays are also available, provided they are in a Vacaf-certified center. For children, options include camps in France or abroad focusing on languages, sports, arts, or culture. The duration is generally limited to 14 nights, and the AVE assistance is granted only once a year.

How to Use Your Assistance to Fund Vacations?

Using your eligible assistance is straightforward. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be notified in the first quarter of the year via mail or email indicating the amount of your coverage. Once you receive your vacation assistance entitlement notice, here’s what to do:

• Visit vacaf.org.
• Select your vacation department, the type of accommodation, and services.
• Once you have made your choice, call the establishment. They will calculate the amount of your assistance and your remaining balance.
• If it suits you, simply send a deposit to confirm your reservation.
• One month before departure, all you have to do is pay the remaining balance.

If you haven’t received a notification but think you are entitled to the family vacation assistance, you can contact your Caf or MSA service.

How to Benefit from the Assistance for Family Vacations (AVF)?

Parents eligible for Assistance for Family Vacations (AVF) must meet several conditions:

• Be a recipient
• Receive a family benefit from the Caf or MSA.
• Have one or more dependent children. Age criteria for children vary by department.
• Have a family income quotient of 700 euros or less, which varies depending on the Caf and MSA.

What is the Amount of the AVF?

The amount of the Assistance for Family Vacations varies. It depends on your family situation and your income quotient, as well as the agency you are under. For instance, this year, at the Caf of Paris, the AVF amount can go up to 1,100 euros per stay for a family with three or more children. At the Caf of Saône-sur-Loire, for an income quotient between 0 and 500 euros, the maximum amount is 520 euros, and at the Caf of Gironde for an income quotient between 0 and 350 euros, the aid is capped at 650 euros.

What is the Coverage of the AVF?

The coverage of the AVF is calculated based on the cost of accommodation, which includes the rental of the property or pitch, plus meals if opting for a full or half-board package. Generally, the Caf and MSA cover 50 to 70% of the cost of the stay. Note that the AVF can be combined with leisure vouchers (or free time assistance ATL), provided by the Caf and MSA.

Who is Eligible for the Assistance for Children’s Vacations (AVE)?

The criteria to qualify for Assistance for Children’s Vacations (AVE) are the same as those for the AVF.

• Be a recipient of a family benefit from the Caf or MSA.
• Have one or more dependent children.
• Have an income quotient of 700 euros or less (amount varies by department).

What is the Amount of the AVE?

The coverage of the AVE is calculated based on the cost of the stay and chosen accommodation. Generally, on this assistance, the Caf and MSA contribute between 40% to 70%. It’s important to note that the AVE can also be combined with leisure vouchers (or ATL), provided by the Caf and MSA.

The amount of the AVE varies depending on your family situation, financial situation, and the agency you are under. This year, for instance, in Paris, the Caf provides 60 euros per day per child to parents whose income quotient is 350 euros or less. The amount reaches 120 euros for a child who benefits from AEEH and meets the same income quotient.