The French state gives two types of housing subsidy, Personal Housing Subsidy (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) and a Social or Family Housing Subsidy (Allocation Logement Social or Allocation Logement Familial) for persons with modest means. These two subsidies  are exclusive (you cannot get both at the same time) and depend on your income. Conditions for qualification are reevaluated on a yearly basis. You can ask information on whether you qualify for this governmental help at the Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF) or the Agence Départementale pour l’Information et le Logement (ADIL) (ADIL) closest to you.

Aide Personnalisée au Logement (APL) - Personal housing subsidy
The APL subsidy can be requested by any person, independent of nationality, living in subsidized APL housing. These housings depend of the CAF and are rented out strictly based on income. They are usually small (studios or small apartments). To demand one, you must fill a dossier available at the CAF closest to you. The subsidy will be directly given to your owner who, in turn, will reduce the rent by its amount. Note that some halls of residence are also regulated and you may request an APL subsidy. Ask the management of the hall for any information.

Allocation Logement Social (ALS) - Subsidized housing allowance
Any renter can request the ALS for his main residence, if his income is below a set threshold. The accommodation must also correspond to minimum criteria of comfort (drinkable water, sink, toilets and heating) and surface area. Ask for a dossier at the CAF. If you qualify, the subsidy (the amount of which depends on your income, your rent and the area of residence) will be directly paid into your account.

Note that the treatment of your dossier may take some time, because of the high demand. However, if you do qualify, you will be paid back from the moment the dossier was opened. The payment will be made on the month following the opening of your dossier.
 

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