Help for family caregivers: schemes and support 2026

Supporting an ageing or dependent loved one opens up, in France, several forms of help: compensation, leave, allowances and pension rights. Here is an overview of the 2026 schemes and how to access them. Amounts change over time: always check with the CAF, the MDPH and official sources.

Who counts as a family caregiver?

A family caregiver helps, on a non-professional basis, a family member who is losing autonomy or living with a disability, with the activities of daily life. This role can open up rights, but most are not automatic: you have to apply. First of all, look after yourself too: our tips to avoid burnout remain the first line of protection.

The AJPA: the daily caregiver allowance

The AJPA compensates the days when you suspend or reduce your activity to help a loved one, under the caregiver leave scheme. As of 1 January 2026 it is €66.64 per day (and €33.32 per half-day), up to 66 days per person cared for, with a career cap of 264 days (66 days for 4 people). It is paid by the CAF, or the MSA for those covered by the agricultural scheme.

Caregiver leave

Caregiver leave lets an employee suspend or reduce their professional activity to support a loved one losing autonomy or living with a disability. It is this leave that opens, under conditions, the right to the AJPA, while protecting your job for its duration.

Compensation through the PCH

When the person cared for receives the disability compensation benefit (PCH), its “human help” component can be used to compensate a family caregiver. If the caregiver does not live in the same home as the person cared for, this compensation remains tax-exempt. It is a compensation, distinct from a true salary.

Is there a caregiver “salary”?

There is no universal family caregiver salary. Remuneration most often goes through PCH compensation (disability cases) or, for an older person, through the APA, which can allow a relative to be paid. The amount depends on the approved care plan.

Your pension rights

During the period compensated by the AJPA, the State covers the validation of your pension quarters, which avoids penalising your career while you help a loved one.

And in Belgium?

The schemes differ across the border: recognised carer status through the health fund, leave and an ONEM allowance. If this concerns you, see our guide to caregiver support in Belgium.

Watching over a parent day to day

Beyond financial help, a caregiver’s daily life also means making sure a parent takes their medication. Our guide to remote treatment tracking explains how to do this without daily phone calls. EntreNous sends the parent an SMS reminder if they haven’t confirmed a dose, and alerts you if nothing comes — with no app to install.