The government plans to increase access to the energy check in 2027 by improving the automatic identification of eligible households. This change is expected to bring an additional 100,000 households into the program, receiving between 48 and 277 euros annually, with an average of 150 euros. This expansion would raise the total number of beneficiaries to 5.1 million, helping those most affected by rising energy costs. The current system for identifying eligible households has been affected by the removal of the property tax on primary residences. Previously, the tax administration used this information to determine who might need assistance. After this tax was abolished, the number of households receiving the energy check fell significantly—from 5.5 million in 2024 to 3.8 million in 2025. Although the number increased to 4.5 million in 2026, it still remains below the earlier level. The 2027 finance bill aims to improve the system by integrating fiscal data with information from energy suppliers to identify more eligible households. At present, households not automatically detected must apply manually through online or mail processes, which can be challenging for the most vulnerable. The new system in 2027 will streamline this process, aiming to identify approximately 100,000 additional beneficiaries. For a modest household spending 1,500 euros annually on energy, the 150 euro check covers 10% of their energy costs, which is especially important given ongoing energy price inflation. The overall budget for the program will increase to more than 15 million euros with the addition of these new beneficiaries. The 2027 finance bill aims to reach 5.1 million beneficiaries, which is 600,000 more than in 2026. However, the 2024 level of 5.5 million remains unattainable in the short term, with a gap of 400,000 beneficiaries still to be addressed. The new detection method, which uses cross-referenced data, is a partial solution but does not fully restore the previous system's accuracy. The energy check payment will now be made in January 2027, earlier than the previous April date, to better align with winter heating costs when the assistance is most needed. The budget for the energy check will increase by 7% in 2027 to 4.8 million euros, aimed at expanding the number of beneficiaries while maintaining the average assistance level. With 5.1 million beneficiaries and an average of 150 euros per check, the theoretical budget would be 765 million euros. The 4.8 million euros likely represent additional funding for the program's expansion. Despite financial challenges, the government seeks to support vulnerable households against rising energy costs. Other social assistance programs are also being adjusted as part of the 2027 budget. The addition of 100,000 new beneficiaries in 2027 represents a step toward addressing the shortfall caused by the property tax reform. However, whether the new detection system can fully restore the 2024 coverage level remains uncertain. For modest households, each euro of assistance is crucial amid ongoing energy and tax pressures. The energy check continues to play a vital role in supporting energy affordability, provided that all eligible individuals can access it.