Living together allows you to face the difficulties of life with more strength. For a couple, getting married, joining a civil partnership or simply cohabiting also makes it possible to distribute everyday expenses: rent, bills, shopping, etc. The improvement observed, on the economic level, has an impact in a few areas, in particular taxes but also housing aid and family allowances. What advantages does cohabitation bring? What are the risks in the event of non-declaration?
Studapart explains everything you need to know between cohabitation and CAF. Cohabitation is a legal term that designates the situation of two adults who have chosen to live in the same dwelling, in a durable and notorious way, without being married or in a civil partnership.
The term common-law union is sometimes used to designate cohabitation, which is a mistake: common-law union has, by definition, no legal character in law and can also apply to two people living separately.
It is also necessary to distinguish cohabitation from colocation. Roommates do not share anything other than housing. They each pay rent and each receive their own receipt. Of course, if their relationship becomes more intimate, they enter into a situation of cohabitation and this must be declared as such to the CAF. It is very important to declare your change of situation to the CAF, when for example you have just joined a couple and become cohabiting or move into accommodation as a couple.
For two main reasons: when this change is proven, but not declared, CAF may ask you to reimburse any overpayments. Conversely, your new situation may also entitle you to more aid and new allowances depending on your income, resources and rent.
