Understanding the energy check and its importance
This government initiative is crucial for many French people who are struggling to make ends meet. However, recent changes in administration could make it more difficult to access this valuable aid.
Recently, a finance bill proposed significant changes for 2025. These changes could prevent the automatic sending of the energy check to new beneficiaries, which is causing concern among consumer defense and precariousness associations. energy.
Administration challenges and consequences for beneficiaries
Due to a problem with the tax database, exacerbated by the abolition of the housing tax, the State is struggling to automatically identify new beneficiaries. This situation has already affected the distribution of checks in 2024, and the problem appears to persist. To receive the check, households must now request it via an online platform, a step that complicates access to aid for many.
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Françoise Thiebault, energy coordinator of the National Council of Secular Family Associations, highlights the low rate of use of checks, which does not exceed 12%. This is particularly concerning because it means many eligible people are not receiving the help they need.
The risk of exclusion and the reaction of associations
The planned changes threaten to exclude large numbers of people. In 2025, only those identified by the tax administration over the last three years and meeting the income criteria would continue to receive aid automatically. Others would have to engage in a potentially complex and daunting process to prove their eligibility.
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Faced with these changes, 18 associations have expressed their concern, predicting a drastic drop in the rate of use of the energy check. They fear that the poorest households will be the most affected by these measures, especially with forecasts of a less significant reduction than expected in electricity prices.
Future prospects and proposed solutions
Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher said the government was working to rebuild a system to return to an automatic check. However, no precise date or details have been provided, leaving some uncertainty as to the effective resolution of these issues.
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Françoise Thiebault suggests that, in the meantime, it would be prudent to inform potential beneficiaries by email or post, using tax data to facilitate this communication.
It's a lesser evil. At least they will know that they may be entitled to it if they take the step
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- Check the official website regularly for updates on the energy check.
- Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
- If you think you are eligible but have not received a check, contact the appropriate departments for assistance.
In conclusion, as the government seeks to optimize the system, it is essential that households remain informed and proactive so as not to miss out on this vital assistance. Collective mobilization and vigilance remain our best allies in the fight against energy poverty.
