Shared Child-Rearing Benefit (PreParE)
Verified 01 June 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The shared child-rearing benefit (PreParE) is part of the early childhood care benefit (EYCB). It allows one or two parents with at least one dependent child under the age of 3 (or under the age of 20 in the case of adoption) to stop or reduce their work to take care of it. The duration of payment depends on the number of dependent children and the family situation. We present you the information to know.
What applies to you ?
If you have at least 3 dependent children, you can choose between PreParE and PreParE increased.
The Enhanced PrePar has a higher amount than the Enhanced PrePar, but is paid for a shorter period of time.
Warning
The choice between PreParE and PreParE is increased definitive.
General case
The PreParE is a financial assistance paid by the Caf: titleContent or the MSA: titleContent parents who cease or reduce their professional activity to take care of their child(ren) under 3 years of age.
You are entitled to PrePart if you meet the following 3 conditions:
- You have at least one child under the age of 3 (or under the age of 20 if adopted)
- You have completely or partially interrupted your professional activity
- You have validated at least 8 quarters of old-age contributions (over a reference period that varies according to the number of children).
The PrePart can be assigned to a single parent or to the 2. They can perceive it at the same time or successively.
Interruption or reduction of professional activity
The rules differ depending on your situation:
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Self-employment
You must prove that you have reduced or stopped your activity. Ask your Caf: titleContent or your MSA: titleContent.
Public Service Officer
You can take a parental leave or a part-time.
Duration of old-age contribution
You have to justifyat least 8 contribution quarters during a reference period preceding the birth, adoption or reception of the child concerned.
The length of the reference period varies according to the number of dependent children:
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1 dependent child
You must justify 8 quarters of old-age contributions in the last 2 years.
Please note
Quarters validated through compensated unemployment are not taken into account.
2 dependent children
You must have at least 8 quarters of old-age contributions in the last 4 years.
Please note
If you apply for the benefit after the birth, adoption or reception of your child, the qualifying period is the period before your application.
3 or more dependent children
You must have at least 8 quarters of old-age contributions in the last 5 years.
Please note
If you apply for the benefit after the birth, adoption or reception of your child, the qualifying period is the period before your application.
The approach differs depending on whether you depend on the general scheme (Caf: titleContent) or the agricultural scheme (MSA: titleContent) :
Caf
You do not yet receive a benefit from the Caf
You must fill out and send to your Caf the cerfa forms n°11423 (declaration of situation) and n°12324 (application for PreParE).
You already receive benefits from the Caf
Make sure your situation is up to date in your personal area on the Caf website. Fill out and send to your Caf the cerfa form n°12324 (PreParE request).
MSA
You're not a recipient
You must complete and send to your MSA the cerfa forms n°11423 (declaration of situation) and n°12324 (application for PreParE).
Application for a shared child-rearing benefit (PreParE, Paje) - MSA
You are already a recipient
Make sure your situation is up to date in your personal space on the MSA website. Complete and send to your MSA the cerfa form n°12324 (PreParE request).
FYI
If you are on maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave, you must wait until the end of the compensation to send the request.
Parent's situation | Monthly amount paid |
|---|---|
Activity completely interrupted | €459.70 |
Part-time (50% maximum) | €297.17 |
Part-time (between 50% and 80%) | €171.42 |
It is possible to accumulate 2 simultaneous PreParE within a couple.
However, the total amount of the 2 benefits may not exceed €459.70.
Duration of payment following a birth
The duration of payment varies according to the number of dependent children and family situation.
FYI
In the event of the child's death, the benefit is automatically extended for 3 months after the death.
The rules differ depending on whether you are a couple or a single parent:
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For a couple
1 child
6 months for each parent up to 1er child's birthday.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePart is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
From 2 children
24 months (2 years) maximum for each parent until 3e birthday of the youngest of your children.
Careful, the duration of your entitlement is reduced by the number of months of daily post-natal maternity (or adoption) benefits.
Example :
For a 2e As a child, the mother may receive the benefit for 21 months (by removing the duration of the postnatal leave) and the father for 1 year until the child reaches 3 years of age.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePar is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
Single parent
1 child
Up to 1er child's birthday
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePar is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
From 2 children
Until 3e birthday of the youngest of your children
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePar is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
Duration of payment following adoption
The rules differ depending on whether you are a couple or a single parent:
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For a couple
1 child
You can benefit from PreParE for the first 12 months of the child's presence in your home.
Parents can share the benefit.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePar is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
From 2 children
You can benefit from PreParE during the first 12 months of the child's presence in your home. Then, if the child has not reached the age of 3, the right can be extended until that age.
Parents can share the benefit.
Warning
The duration of your entitlement is reduced by the number of months compensated for your adoption leave.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The PrePar is paid monthly, with an expiry date (January paid in early February, etc.).
Single parent
1 child
You can benefit from PreParE for the first 12 months of the child's presence in your home.
From 2 children
You can benefit from PreParE for the first 12 months of the child's presence in your home. Then, if the child has not reached the age of 3, the right can be extended until that age.
Warning
The duration of your entitlement is reduced by the number of months compensated for your adoption leave.
Extension of payment
The PrePart payment can be extended if you meet the following 3 conditions:
- You have at least 2 dependent children
- You have not found a place in a nursery or other reception service
- Your resources are below the family supplement.
You will continue to receive the benefit until September following your child's birthday.
Please note
If you are a couple, at least one of the 2 parents must have a professional activity.
End of payment
Payment of the PreParE ceases from 1er day of calendar month during which you no longer meet the conditions to benefit from it.
Example :
You can no longer benefit from PreParE as of June 24.
You do not receive a PrePar for the month of June.
Income | PrePare full rate | Part-rate loan |
|---|---|---|
Maternity, paternity or adoption leave allowances | No. Except during the 1er months of PrePare if you have only 1 dependent child. | No. Unless the PrePart payment began before the compensation was paid. |
Allowance for additional birth leave | No | No. Unless the PrePart payment began before the compensation was paid. |
Sick leave or {circumflex over (θ)} allowances | No. Except during the 1er months of PrePare if you have only 1 dependent child. | No. Unless the PrePart payment began before the compensation was paid. |
Unemployment benefits | No. But you can ask to suspend your benefits that will resume at the end of the PrePar entitlements. | No. Unless the PrePart payment began before the compensation was paid. |
Family supplement | No | No |
Salary | No. Except 2 months in case of resumption of professional activity if the child is from 18 to 29 months and the parent has at least 2 dependent children. | No (for time not worked) |
Vacation Pay | No | No |
Retirement and disability pensions | No | No |
You have to differentiate according to whether you depend on the Caf: titleContent or MSA: titleContent :
Caf
Several changes can occur.
Change in family situation
Quickly report any changes in your family situation (examples: birth of a child, marriage, separation, unemployment).
Family allowances and benefits - Declaration of situation (Caf)
Change of domicile
You can report your change of address using the online change of address service:
MSA
Change in family situation
Quickly report any changes in your family situation (examples: birth of a child, marriage, separation, unemployment).
Example :
Being in a relationship can give you new rights. Ask your MSA: titleContent.
You can also go there or send the form cerfa no. 11423 by post.
Change of domicile
You can report your change of address using the online change of address service:
Please note
If you change department, the MSA of your home of departure will automatically take care of the transfer of the file to your new caisse. This transfer will take place as soon as you register your new address.
PreParE increased
The Enhanced PrePare is a financial assistance paid by the Caf: titleContent or the MSA: titleContent parents who stop working to take care of their child(ren) under 3 years of age.
You can claim the PrePart increased if you meet the following 3 conditions:
- You have at least 3 dependent children
- You stopped working
- You have validated at least 8 quarters of old-age contributions in the last 5 years.
The PrePart can be assigned to a single parent or to the 2. They can perceive it at the same time or successively.
Interruption of professional activity
The rules differ according to the activity carried out:
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Private sector employee
You must take parental leave full-time.
Self-employment
You must prove that you have ceased your activity. Ask your Caf: titleContent or your MSA: titleContent.
Public Service Officer
You have to take a parental leave.
Duration of old-age contribution
You must provide proof of at least 8 quarters of old-age contributions during the 5 years preceding the birth, adoption or reception of the child concerned.
Please note
If you apply for the benefit after the birth or adoption of your child, the qualifying period is the period before your application.
The approach differs depending on whether you depend on the general scheme (Caf: titleContent) or the agricultural scheme (MSA: titleContent) :
Caf
You do not yet receive a benefit from the Caf
You must fill out and send to your Caf the cerfa forms n° 11423 (declaration of situation) and n° 12324 (application for PreParE).
You already receive benefits from the Caf
Make sure your situation is up to date in your personal area on the Caf website. Fill out and send to your Caf the cerfa form n° 12324 (PreParE request).
MSA
You're not a recipient
You must fill out and send to your MSA the cerfa forms n° 11423 (declaration of situation) and n° 12324 (application for PreParE).
Application for a shared child-rearing benefit (PreParE, Paje) - MSA
You are already a recipient
Make sure your situation is up to date in your personal space on the MSA website. Complete and send to your MSA the cerfa form n° 12324 (PreParE request).
FYI
If you are on maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave, you must wait until the end of the compensation to send the request.
€751.40 per month.
It is not possible to receive the increased PrePare in the case of part-time work.
Warning
If you and your spouse (married, past or cohabiting) choose to receive the Premium for the same month, the accumulation of your 2 rights is limited to €751.40 for the month concerned.
Duration of payment
The duration of payment varies according to your family situation:
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For a couple
8 months maximum for each parent, up to a maximum of 1er birthday of the youngest child.
Warning
The duration of your entitlement is reduced by the number of months compensated for your maternity/adoption leave.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The Enhanced PrePare is paid each month, at maturity (January paid in early February, etc.)
FYI
In the event of the child's death, the benefit is automatically extended for 3 months after the death.
Single parent
Up to 1er birthday of the youngest of your children.
Warning
The duration of your entitlement is reduced by the number of months compensated for your maternity/adoption leave.
The right is open from 1er full month on parental leave.
The Enhanced PrePare is paid each month, at maturity (January paid in early February, etc.).
FYI
In the event of the child's death, the benefit is automatically extended for 3 months after the death.
End of payment
Payment of the PreParE ceases from 1er day of calendar month during which you no longer meet the conditions to benefit from it.
Example :
You can no longer benefit from PreParE as of June 24.
You do not receive a PrePar for the month of June.
No.
The Prepare cannot combine with:
- Leave with pay allowances
- Maternity, paternity or adoption leave allowances
- Supplementary Birth Leave Benefits
- Sick leave or sick leave allowances
- Unemployment benefits
- The family complement.
You have to differentiate according to whether you depend on the Caf: titleContent or MSA: titleContent :
Caf
Several changes can occur.
Change in family situation
Quickly report any changes in your family situation (examples: birth of a child, marriage, separation, unemployment).
Family allowances and benefits - Declaration of situation (Caf)
Change of domicile
You can report your change of address using the online change of address service:
MSA
Change in family situation
Quickly report any changes in your family situation (examples: birth of a child, marriage, separation, unemployment).
Example :
Being in a relationship can give you new rights. Ask your MSA: titleContent.
You can also go there or send the form cerfa no. 11423 by post.
Change of domicile
You can report your change of address using the online change of address service:
Please note
If you change department, the MSA of your home of departure will automatically take care of the transfer of the file to your new caisse. This transfer will take place as soon as you register your new address.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
To inquire (if you depend on the general plan)
Family Allowance Fund (Caf)To find out (if you depend on the farm plan)
Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA)
Article L531-4
Article D531-4 to D531-16-1
Family benefits paid monthly (start and end of entitlement)
Non-cumulative