Pairs often confused
CAF or CPAM in French?
The CAF pays benefits (housing, family); the CPAM reimburses healthcare. Two offices, two files, two websites.
Why
Both start with « caisse » and both write to everyone, hence the confusion. The CAF is money that ARRIVES without having been spent: APL for rent, child allowances, RSA. The CPAM is money that COMES BACK after a health expense: doctor, pharmacy, hospital. A student almost always has a file with the CAF (for APL) and one with the CPAM (for the Vitale card).
CAF
Votre dossier CAF est complet : l'aide au logement sera versée le 5.
Your CAF file is complete: housing benefit will be paid on the 5th.
CPAM
La CPAM a remboursé votre consultation du 3 mars : 19 euros.
The CPAM has reimbursed your consultation of 3 March: 19 euros.