Understanding CAF’s CMG Childcare Aid in 2025: A Simple Guide for Parents Hiring Babysitters
- Kiddobee Kiddobee
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 13
If you’re considering hiring a babysitter, nanny, or childminder in France and you keep hearing about CAF, CMG, Pajemploi and Urssaf… you’re not alone. The childcare aid system can feel complicated, especially because the amount you receive depends on the childcare structure you choose.
In September 2025, the CMG (Complément de libre choix du mode de garde) was reformed to make it more transparent, more tailored to families, and easier to access. Here is a clear breakdown of how the CMG works today and what has changed.
What is the CMG?
The CMG is a financial aid from CAF/MSA intended to help families pay for childcare when they employ:
an assistant maternel (licensed childminder)
a home-based childcare employee (garde d’enfants à domicile)
a childcare agency approved for garde d’enfants at home
What changed in September 2025?
CAF introduced a brand-new calculation method to make the CMG more personalised. The amount of aid now depends on:
your household’s monthly income
the number of children in your care
the hourly cost of the childcare
the number of hours of childcare you need per month
No more maximum hour limits
Before the reform, the CMG only covered childcare costs up to a certain number of monthly hours. Any hours beyond that threshold were paid entirely by the parents.
This limit has now been removed. Every hour of childcare is counted in the calculation.
Same calculation for all ages
Previously, the CMG amount dropped when a child turned 3. Children under 3 received a higher rate than those aged 3 to 6.
That distinction has been eliminated.
The CAF article states: “The mode of calculation is now the same for all ages. The distinction between under-3 and ages 3 to 6 is removed.” 15% minimum remainder removed
Before September 2025, families were required to pay at least 15 percent of total childcare costs, regardless of income.
The new rules remove this obligation entirely. Some families may now pay significantly less out of pocket.
Who pays the babysitter’s social charges?
This rule did not change.
For assistant maternels: 100 percent of social charges are paid by the State.
For home-based childcare employees (employed directly by the parents): 50 percent of social charges are paid by the State, within a yearly limit.
Extra support for single parents
Single parents can now receive CMG until the child turns 12, for after-school hours, Wednesdays, and school holidays.
Previously, CMG usually stopped at age 6 for most home-based arrangements.
For separated parents with shared custody
Starting December 2025, both parents in a shared custody arrangement can each receive the CMG for childcare during their own custodial time.
*Important CAF note: Parents must first set up the shared-family-allowance distribution with CAF.
Where to calculate how much CMG you will get
CAF recommends using the official Urssaf Pajemploi simulator to estimate:
your CMG amount
your monthly out-of-pocket cost
the cost difference between nanny, assistant maternel, or agency
Why CMG varies depending on childcare type
This causes a lot of confusion, so here is the simplest explanation:
Assistant maternels
Social charges fully covered
Lower cost per hour
CMG covers a large part of the expense
Home-based employee (you are the employer)
CMG covers a portion of salary + 50 percent of charges
Cost per hour is usually higher
Agency-based nanny
CMG applies to the invoice as long as the agency is approved
The agency manages everything (including declaring the babysitter)
Your net cost depends on your income and number of hours
How to get started if you're feeling confused
Use the Urssaf simulator.
Check your CAF account for your eligibility.
Compare your chosen childcare type (assistant maternel, direct nanny, agency nanny).
If using an agency, ask them for a personalised calculation.
Kiddobee regularly helps parents understand the CMG rules and estimate their childcare budget before matching them with a vetted English-speaking babysitter.
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