Estimate your prime d'activité based on your net salary, household composition, and other income.
What is the prime d'activité?
The prime d'activité is a monthly benefit paid by the CAF to supplement the income of low-wage workers. Introduced in 2016, it replaced the former RSA activité and the prime pour l'emploi. It encourages professional activity by providing a financial boost to workers earning around the minimum wage.
Who is eligible for prime d'activité?
You must be over 18, work in France (salaried, self-employed, or student earning above ~€1,070/month), and have a net monthly salary generally below ~€1,800 (single) to ~€2,900 (couple with children). EU/EEA citizens are eligible. Non-EU citizens need a valid work permit.
How is the prime d'activité calculated?
The formula is: Prime = (Forfait + 61% of salary + Work Bonification) minus (Total household resources). The forfait is based on RSA amounts (~€636 for single). The bonification is an individual bonus for workers earning above ~€653/month, capping at ~€173/month.
When should I apply for prime d'activité?
You can apply at any time through the CAF website (caf.fr). The prime is calculated quarterly based on your income from the previous 3 months. You must make a quarterly declaration of resources (Déclaration Trimestrielle de Ressources) to continue receiving payments.
Compliance: This calculator uses official French tax rates for 2025. Results are indicative — for complex situations, consult a tax professional.
How the CAF calculates this in-work benefit for low and modest earners
What is the Prime d'activité?
The Prime d'activité is a monthly top-up from the CAF for workers with modest incomes. It replaced the old PPE (Prime Pour l'Emploi) and RSA activité in 2016. A single person earning the SMIC (about €1,426 net/month) receives roughly €200-€260 per month. It encourages work by supplementing low wages rather than replacing them.
Who qualifies?
You must be over 18, live in France, and earn income from work (salarié, auto-entrepreneur, or agricultural worker). Your income must be below about 1.5 times the SMIC for a single person. Students and apprentices qualify only if they earn at least €1,082/month. Foreign nationals need a valid residence permit. You can apply even if you work part-time.
How is the amount calculated?
The formula is: Prime = (base amount + 61% of professional income + household bonuses) − household resources. The base amount in 2025 is about €622. For a single person earning €1,400/month: Prime = €622 + (61% × €1,400) − €1,400 = about €76. The actual calculation considers the whole household and is done quarterly by the CAF.
Is the Prime d'activité taxable?
No. The Prime d'activité is completely tax-free. You do not declare it on your income tax return and it does not count towards your revenu fiscal de référence. It also does not affect your eligibility for other means-tested benefits like APL.
How do you apply?
Apply online at caf.fr or at your local CAF. You need your last 3 months of payslips, your tax reference number (numéro fiscal), proof of housing situation, and bank details (RIB). The CAF responds within about 1 month. You must renew your declaration every 3 months with updated income figures — if you forget, payments stop.
Can auto-entrepreneurs receive the Prime?
Yes. Auto-entrepreneurs qualify based on their turnover after applying the standard abatement (34% BNC, 50% BIC services, 71% BIC sales). If your quarterly BNC turnover is €6,000, the CAF considers €3,960 (66%) as income — about €1,320/month. If this is below the threshold, you receive the Prime. Declare your turnover quarterly on caf.fr.
DGFiP-Aligned: Based on 2025 DGFiP rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified expert-comptable (chartered accountant).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current French tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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