The energy check represents aid allocated to low-income households to help them pay their gas and energy bills. It has been distributed to nearly 5.8 million households since 2018, but next year promises to be full of changes for this boost.
Every year since 2018, at a specific period, many French households receive their energy check by mail. This boost helps millions of households pay their electricity or gas bills, but also to finance energy renovation work. Until now, the check was distributed automatically, except that the 2025 finance bill may make changes. We remember that last month, it was announced that obtaining the check for 277 euros would be more complicated and things were likely to materialize. Here's everything you need to know about the changes to this boost.
Energy check: the changes that await you in 2025
End of automatic sending
Usually, the energy check is sent by mail automatically to beneficiaries, but starting next year, this will no longer be the case. Indeed, this decision shows that we are at a decisive turning point in energy aid policy. Therefore, eligible households will have to apply to benefit from this assistance. The objective is to target households that really need this boost and to boost the use of public funds. It is following the different problems with distribution of the 2024 energy check that this decision has been made. It is important to note that nearly 1 million eligible people did not receive it in April, which reinforces the measure to eliminate automatic sending.
Evolution of eligibility criteria
From 2025, the eligibility criteria for the energy check will change, which is difficult news to digest for new beneficiaries. The 2025 finance bill provides for a modification of the conditions which give entitlement to this boost. As a result, former beneficiaries have nothing to worry about since the check will always be sent automatically, unless the income limit exchange. On the other hand, newbies will have to take steps to receive their help. In addition, the award of this check will be subject to the following conditions:
- Household tax reference income,
- Home electricity delivery point number.
Facility set up by the government
To allow potential new beneficiaries to access the energy check, a portal will be set up. This will allow beneficiaries to submit their request by providing the tax number, the energy bill in their name and the tax number. This procedure aims to guarantee the granting of a check per household and to target households which need this help to renovate their accommodation, specifies The Dispatch.
Energy check: amount and implementation of this aid
Income and household composition
In 2025, the amount of the energy check will still vary between €48 and €277 depending on income and household composition. Although it is true that the announced changes are significant, the granting procedure and the amount of aid will remain unchanged. Currently, the public authorities are working on a way to bring back theautomatic sending of the check while reducing the non-recourse rate.
Use of the 2025 check
The 2025 energy check will be used to pay for various energy-related expenses. Its use will be the same as the 2024 energy check. As a result, beneficiaries will be able to use it to pay their gas and utility bills.electricityd’buy fuel. Beneficiaries can also finance their insulation work and the installation of a heating system carried out by an RGE professional.
When will you receive your check in 2025?
The granting of the 2025 energy check will follow a precise timetable. Thus, beneficiaries who have chosen a pre-assignment will receive a letter informing them of their eligibility in April or May, regardless of department. Remember that the amount of the check is deducted from the energy bill due to the supplier.
