In brief
The Disability Adult Allowance (AAH) is a social benefit aimed at ensuring a minimum income for people with disabilities who have low resources. This allowance helps cover daily expenses. The application is made through the Departmental House for Disabled Persons (MDPH) in your place of residence.
Eligibility criteria are based on a disability rate, age, residence in France, and level of resources. Since October 1, 2023, the calculation method has evolved to consider only the applicant's resources, without combining them with those of their spouse, if this change is more advantageous.
Who can apply
To receive the AAH, you must meet strict conditions related to disability, age, residence, and resources.
Disability conditions
The disability rate is determined by the Commission for the Rights of Autonomy of Disabled Persons (CDAPH) according to a guideline scale. Two situations are possible:
- Disability rate of at least 80%: This criterion is sufficient for eligibility.
- Disability rate between 50% and 79%: You are eligible only if you have a substantial and lasting restriction on access to employment. This restriction is considered "substantial" when you face significant difficulties accessing a job that cannot be compensated by specific adjustment measures (such as an adapted workstation). It is "lasting" when it is expected to last at least 1 year from the date of application submission.
A simulator is available to estimate your right to the AAH before submitting your file.
Age conditions
You must be at least 20 years old. However, you can benefit from the AAH from the age of 16 if you are no longer considered dependent on your parents for family benefits. This is the case, for example, if you have left the family home.
Residence conditions
Your residence obligations depend on your nationality:
- You are French: You must reside in metropolitan France or in the following departments and territories: Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Mayotte, La Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Specific rules apply in Mayotte.
- You are of European nationality: You must have resided in France for more than 3 months. This duration is not required if you are engaged in professional activity.
- You are of another nationality: You must have resided in France for at least 3 months. This duration is not required if you are engaged in professional activity. You must also be in a regular situation, meaning you possess a valid residence permit or a receipt for the renewal of a residence permit.
Resource conditions
The AAH is granted based on resource conditions. The resources taken into account are those listed under "Net taxable income" on your 2024 tax notice (for an application made in 2026).
Certain incomes are partially taken into account:
- Income from commercial, artisanal, liberal, or agricultural activities.
- Salaries, pensions, life annuities received for free, and remuneration of managers and partners of certain companies.
- Guaranteed remuneration paid in case of work in an establishment or service providing assistance through work (Ésat).
Conversely, rental income (rents received for a property rented out) is fully taken into account.
Evolution of resource calculation (Decoupling)
Since October 1, 2023, the amount of the AAH is no longer systematically calculated based on your resources combined with those of the person you live with. The amount is now calculated solely based on your own resources (decoupling).
This change only applies if it is more advantageous for you. If the combined resources remain more favorable, the coupled calculation method continues to apply. It is the Caf or the MSA that evaluates and automatically applies the most advantageous calculation method. No specific action is required from you. As soon as the coupled calculation is no longer beneficial, your AAH is calculated using the decoupled method. This calculation is automatic and definitive.
Resource ceilings
If you are single, your annual resources must not exceed the following ceilings:
- 0 dependent child: €12,499
- 1 dependent child: €18,749
- 2 dependent children: €24,998
- 3 dependent children: €31,248
- 4 dependent children: €37,497
If you live as a couple and are already a beneficiary of the AAH, the combined resource ceilings are as follows:
- 0 dependent child: €22,623
- 1 dependent child: €28,873
- 2 dependent children: €35,122
- 3 dependent children: €41,372
- 4 dependent children: €47,621
Note that for a person living as a couple but being the sole beneficiary, the individual ceiling remains that applicable to singles (e.g., €12,499 for 0 children).
Steps
The AAH application is made through the MDPH of your place of residence. You have two options for submitting your file:
- By online service: If the MDPH of your residence offers it, you can apply online via the service "Request for MDPH benefits (AAH, PCH, admission to Ésat, accommodation...) and renewal".
- By mail: You can use the paper form "Request or renewal of Disability benefits (AEEH, AAH, PCH, CMI, accommodation, Ésat...)".
In both cases, you must attach the supporting documents mentioned on the form or during the online application. These documents must be sent (or scanned for the online application) to the competent MDPH.
To identify the MDPH you depend on, you can use the local pivot on the service-public.fr website by entering your city or postal code.
Documents
The supporting documents vary depending on your situation, but they must accompany your application. They generally include:
- The duly completed application form.
- Medical documents to assess the disability rate.
- Proof of resources (tax notice).
- Proof of residence and regularity of stay (for foreign nationals).
It is crucial to provide all requested documents to avoid any delays in processing your file.
Cost
The process is free. No fees are required for submitting the application to the MDPH.
Deadlines
This information varies depending on the situation and workload of the competent MDPH. Processing times are not specified in the official data provided here.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Forgetting to update your resources: Ensure that the declared resources correspond to the "Net taxable income" line of your latest available tax notice.
- Confusion about residence: Make sure that your place of residence corresponds to the eligible territories (metropolitan France, DOM, COM listed).
- Ignoring decoupling: Even if you live as a couple, know that the calculation can be based solely on your resources if it is more advantageous. The Caf or the MSA makes this choice automatically, but it is important to be vigilant about the accurate declaration of your family situation.