Eligibility criteria for energy cheques

To qualify for the energy cheque, a household's reference tax income (RFR) must not exceed 11,000 euros per unit of consumption (UC). The UC is calculated based on the number of household members, with the first member counting as 1 UC, the second as 0.5, and each additional member as 0.3.

RFR thresholds for different household sizes

The RFR thresholds vary depending on household composition. A single person can have an RFR up to 11,000 euros, a couple up to 16,500 euros, a couple with one child up to 19,800 euros, and a couple with two children up to 23,100 euros. These figures are based on the 2024 RFR, which is listed on the tax notice received in 2025.

Application process and required documents

Those who did not receive their energy cheque in the spring can apply by checking eligibility through an official simulator. If eligible, they can submit an application online or by mail until December 31, 2026. Required documents include a 13-digit tax number, a 14-digit delivery point number (PDL), a bill less than three months old, and a valid identification document.

Cheque details and usage

The energy cheque is issued once per home and its amount depends on income and household composition, ranging between 48 and 277 euros, with an average of around 153 euros. Cheques issued after September 1, 2026, remain valid until March 31, 2027, and can be used for electricity, gas, oil, or wood bills but not for energy renovation work.

Decline in number of beneficiaries

The number of energy cheque recipients has dropped from 5.7 million in 2024 to 4.2 million in 2025, according to the government, due to the abolition of the housing tax on main residences, which previously provided a list of beneficiaries. The government now uses data from electricity suppliers and tax authorities, a less reliable method.

Proposed improvements for 2027 campaign

The 2027 budget proposal aims to improve identification of eligible households by requiring suppliers and network managers to provide the phone number and email address of the contract holder. This is expected to identify around 100,000 additional eligible households. The 2027 campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2027, three months earlier than usual, but the proposal does not include an increase in the cheque amount or a new income threshold.

Amendments and legislative process

Amendments aiming to triple the energy cheque amount have been adopted in committee but still require approval in session. Deputies are scheduled to vote on November 17, followed by the Senate. In 2025, the dispatch had only begun in November instead of April due to delays in passing the budget.