The energy check, an essential aid system for many French households, will experience a significant change in 2025. The automatic allocation, previously in force, will give way to a new system, raising concerns about its effectiveness and accessibility.
Evolution of the energy check allocation system
The French government has announced a major change in the process of awarding the energy check from 2025. This aid, of amount varying from 48 to 277 euroswill no longer be distributed automatically to all eligible beneficiaries as was previously the case.
Until now, the administration relied on household resources and housing tax declarations to determine eligibility and the amount of the check. However, with the recent abolition of the housing taxthe government finds itself forced to review its methodology.
The new system plans to be based on two main criteria:
- The reference tax income
- The home electricity delivery point (PDL)
This development aims to maintain a precise assessment of the composition of households and their eligibility for the system. However, it raises questions about its effectiveness and its impact on potential beneficiaries.
Risks and implications for beneficiaries
The change in the terms of allocation of the energy check raises several concerns, particularly in terms of accessibility and equity. Françoise Thiebaultenergy coordinator of the National Council of Secular Family Associations (CNAFAL), expresses her concern: “This will further penalize low incomes. We are moving away from the automation of the device which guaranteed a good utilization rate. »
The main implications of this reform are:
- An increased risk of non-recourse to aid
- A potential increase in the digital divide
- Additional administrative procedures for newly eligible people
Please note that former beneficiaries whose situation has not changed will continue to receive their check automatically. On the other hand, the Newly eligible will have to make a declaration on a dedicated platformwhich could be an obstacle for some.
This development is part of a broader context of energy transition and reflection on our consumption patterns, where the effectiveness of social assistance plays a crucial role.
Issues and challenges for the administration
Faced with these changes, the administration is faced with several major challenges. The first concerns the implementation of an accessible and intuitive platform for new beneficiaries. The experience of the 2024 energy check campaign, which saw nearly a million people not receive their check, highlights the importance of creating a robust and efficient system.
Another crucial issue is the fight against non-recourse to social assistance. According to the non-governmental service aide-sociale.fr, the rate of non-use of social assistance in France oscillates between 30 and 40%. This alarming figure highlights the need for clear communication and increased support for eligible populations.
| Year | Number of beneficiaries | Mode d’attribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 millions | Automatic |
| 2025 | To be determined | Mixed (automatic and on request) |
The administration will also have to ensure that these changes do not have a negative impact on access to energy for the most vulnerable households, in a context where energy prices remain a major concern. .
Perspectives and solutions envisaged
Faced with the challenges posed by this reform, several avenues are being explored to mitigate its potential negative effects. Among the solutions considered, we find:
- The provision of personalized support for people far from digital
- The strengthening of information campaigns on the device and its methods of obtaining
- The simplification of administrative procedures for new eligibles
These measures aim to ensure that the change in system does not lead to a significant drop in the number of beneficiaries. The objective is to maintain, or even improve, the effectiveness of the energy check as a tool for fight against energy poverty.
Ultimately, the success of this reform will depend on the government’s ability to combine modernization of the system and preservation of its accessibility. The challenge is high: ensuring that aid actually reaches those who need it most, in a context of energy transition and socio-economic changes.
