Due to a computer glitch, the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) abruptly cut off benefits to a couple with two children. Between unjustified debts and threats of eviction, this family's daily life was plunged into precariousness for several months.

An administrative glitch with serious consequences

It all started last December with a simple email. The CAF (French family allowance fund) informed a mother in Seine-et-Marne that she was no longer eligible for the childcare allowance (CMG) . The reason given? Her daughter no longer lived at the family home.

"That's false because we all live as a family in the house and she is definitely here with us 100%!", the mother told Le Parisien indignantly.

Despite the couple's warnings, the situation is worsening. Not only are the €1,300 in monthly aid disappearing, but the organization is also demanding repayment of an imaginary overpayment of €4,336.57 .

The spiral of precariousness

Deprived of a major portion of their income, the family's finances are collapsing. To continue paying the childminder (€1,700 per month) and avoid losing their childcare, the parents had to:

1. To take out an emergency bank loan .
2. To seek financial assistance from their relatives.
3. Incurring significant bank charges as a result of a prolonged overdraft.

Through an administrative snowball effect, the impossibility of repaying the debt claimed by the CAF led to the suspension of all other benefits: family allowances, basic allowance and activity bonus.

A return to normal, but a real trauma

On Wednesday, the CAF finally admitted to a "technical anomaly" of unknown origin. The organization announced the cancellation of the debt and the retroactive payment of the sums owed within 48 hours.

While there is relief, bitterness remains for this mother who earns €1,400 per month:

"They don't realize the consequences of this anomaly on our daily lives. [...] We could have ended up on the street."