The French government plans to delay the age for increasing family allowances for the second child from 14 to 18 years, a move worrying family advocates. This decision, revealed by Le Parisien on October 17, 2025, will affect five million households from spring 2026. It is based on a study questioning cost differences between children under and over 14 years old.
As the review of budget texts begins in Parliament, a draft decree delays the increase in family allowances. Currently, families with two or more children under 20 years old see their allowances boosted when the second child turns 14. From now on, this boost will occur at 18 years, according to the project revealed by Le Parisien on Friday, October 17, 2025.
This measure will impact the five million beneficiary households, with amounts varying based on parents' resources, the number of dependent children, and their ages. It will take effect in 'spring 2026', after consultations with bodies at the end of 2025, as stated by the entourage of the Minister of Health and Families, Stéphanie Rist. The rollout will be gradual, 'in flux', without affecting current beneficiaries.
The government justifies this cutback with a recent study by the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l'évaluation et des statistiques (Drees), which 'has recently called into question a cost difference generated by children under 14 and those over 14', recommending the 18-year threshold. 'It is justified that the level of support adapts to the level of expense generated by the child in line with the objective of this benefit', the ministry explains. Family advocates see it as 'a bad signal sent to families'.
This decision comes amid tight budget constraints, where family allowances aim to support child-related expenses, tailored to age and household needs.