the only ways to spend it in 2024 and 2025

The energy check has become essential for millions of French people. Here are several ways to claim it on your invoices.

It has become almost essential for the French. Each year, millions of households can benefit from this assistance of varying amounts, for various energy expenses.

The energy check, support from the French

The energy check is a significant helping hand for many French people. Particularly for those on low incomes who struggle to make ends meet.

With the rise in energy and gas prices, this support has become even more precious. In fact, it provides relief on energy bills.

For several years, it has helped to alleviate the financial burden on households low income. While allowing them to devote more resources to essential needs such as food, health, education and housing.

This government initiative aims to fight against precariousness by directly helping modest homes to cover their energy costs. This contributes to a more decent standard of living for all.

Eligibility is also determined based on the composition of the household and reference tax income (RFR). With amounts adjusted according to the number of consumption units (CU) and annual income.

Moreover, no specific procedure is required to receive the energy check. In fact, the tax administration automatically identifies eligible beneficiaries, who then receive the check by mail.

An increase demanded

This process guarantees rapid assistance without travel. At the start of the year, discussions took place mentioned a revaluation of the amount of the check, as Bruno Le Maire suggested.

Associations such as the Abbé Pierre Foundation, the CLVC and the CFDT support also an increase. They thus proposed an annual amount of 759 euros.

In 2023, the deadline for use was March 31. In case of loss or thefta declaration until April 30, 2024 allows you to request a new check.

But, following administrative errors linked to the deletion of housing taxapproximately one million eligible households have not received their automatic check. However, a claim form is available on the energy check website.

The latter thus allows the households concerned to receive their check quickly if the criteria are met. Telephone assistance is also available on the toll-free number 0 805 204 805, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What are the uses of the energy check?

The 2025 budget introduces new criteria and modalities for the allocation of the energy check. And this is due to the removal of the housing tax which made it possible to send it automatically based on the reference tax income.

However, consumer associations deplore this reform, which they perceive as a frontal attack. They fear an increase in non-recourse.

Concerning the 2024 energy check, it remains usable until March 2025. With a provisional utilization rate of 73.8% at the beginning of September, which represents four million checks on 5.6 million distributed in April 2024.

In 2023, the average value of aid was €149, with a utilization rate by 83.6%. Beneficiaries can use the check to pay their energy bills with suppliers or professionals via the chequeenergie.gouv.fr website.

Or send it by mail. It is also intended to be possible to pre-assign it for the following year directly online, an option chosen by 47.6% of beneficiaries in 2023 compared to 35.6% in 2022.

In 2023, 94.4% of energy checks were used for payments electricity and gas. The other areas being domestic fuel oil (2.43%), wood (1.45%), domestic LPG (0.47%), and to a lesser extent, nursing home residences and energy renovation.