Over 5.5 million households benefit from the energy check, a state-funded financial aid that helps cover energy bills and home renovation costs. Targeted at low-income families—including seniors in specialized elderly care facilities—no application is required. Tax authorities automatically identify eligible taxpayers and mail the checks directly.
The energy check is a government program designed to ease energy costs for modest-income households. It provides financial support ranging from €48 to €277, based on income and household size.
Delivered as a paper check in the beneficiary's name, it expires on March 31 of the year following issuance.
It covers expenses like electricity, natural gas, LPG, heating oil, wood, biomass, or any fuel for heating or hot water.
The check also applies to energy renovation work by certified "Recognized Guarantor of the Environment" (RGE) professionals. Beneficiaries can exchange it for a works check (valid 2 extra years) by calling 0 805 204 805 or emailing via the Ministry of Ecological Transition's energy check website.
Beyond bill deductions, it waives energy supplier contract fees and activation costs. In case of non-payment, beneficiaries get an 80% discount on supplier travel fees for service interruptions—simply present your beneficiary certificate.
Use it like a bank check by mailing or handing it to your supplier. This year, opt for pre-assignment by ticking the box on the check or applying at chequeenergie.gouv.fr to receive future checks automatically if eligible. Some suppliers now accept online payments by entering your check number on their dedicated page.
Note: If you have outstanding bills, the aid prioritizes settling them.
Seniors in nursing homes, independent residences, or long-term care units (ESLD, USLD) can use it too—submit to your facility manager, who claims reimbursement from the state via the Services and Payment Agency (ASP). It deducts directly from your fees.
Granted based on means-testing, households qualify if their reference fiscal income (RFR) is under €10,800 per consumption unit (CU). A CU calculates per-person needs: 1 person = 1 CU, second = 0.5 CU, each additional = 0.3 CU.
"Household" means all occupants of a home, related or not—even singles.
Aid amounts vary by RFR and CUs. For example, a 2-person household (1.5 CUs) gets €240 if RFR < €5,600/CU, or €63 if €7,700–€10,800/CU.
No action needed—tax authorities use your declared income to select recipients. They compile lists for the Services and Payment Agency (ASP), which mails checks, typically in April this year.
