Energy Check (Cheque Energie) 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and How to Use It

The French energy check (cheque energie) 2026 is a means-tested aid sent automatically by the state to roughly 5.8 million eligible households. Amounts range from EUR 48 to EUR 277 depending on declared income (revenu fiscal de reference per household unit) and family size. The 2026 wave is sent between April and end-May 2026, valid until 31 March 2027, and can be used with any energy supplier or towards energy-renovation work.

> **Key takeaways**

> - 2026 amount: EUR 48 to EUR 277 per household, sent April-May 2026.

> - Eligibility: revenu fiscal de reference / UC at or below EUR 11,000 (2026 ceiling).

> - No application - fully automatic from your 2025 tax declaration.

> - Valid until 31 March 2027; can be used for gas, electricity, fuel or renovation.

> - Accepted by all suppliers and Anah-registered renovation professionals.

What is the energy check?

The cheque energie is the main French energy-poverty aid. Created by the 2015 energy transition law, it replaced earlier social tariffs in 2018 and is now governed by the Direction generale de l'energie et du climat (DGEC) and managed via chequeenergie.gouv.fr. It is sent automatically by post to eligible households - no application is required.

The household identification is based on your 2025 income tax declaration; if the household composition or the address changed in 2025, ensure your file with the DGFiP is up to date.

2026 amounts

For the 2026 wave, the cheque energie ranges from EUR 48 to EUR 277. The exact amount is determined by:

the **revenu fiscal de reference (RFR)** of the household,
divided by the number of **consumption units (UC)**: 1 for the first adult, 0.5 for the second, 0.3 for each additional person.

The 2026 eligibility ceiling is EUR 11,000 of RFR per UC. The cheque energie covers approximately 20 percent of an average household's annual energy bill for the most modest beneficiaries, per the Commission de Regulation de l'Energie (CRE) impact assessments.

How it is used

The cheque energie can be used to pay:

electricity, gas or fuel bills with **any supplier** (including small alternative suppliers);
domestic heating fuel (wood pellets, heating oil, propane) from registered merchants;
**energy renovation work** carried out by RGE-certified professionals registered with Anah - combinable with MaPrimeRenov'.

Two methods are available: paying by physical cheque sent to the supplier or **pre-affecting** the cheque online on chequeenergie.gouv.fr so the amount is automatically deducted from each future bill until used up.

What about the protected rights?

In addition to the cheque energie, beneficiaries automatically obtain:

**No connection fees** for opening or moving an energy contract.
**Free contract amendment** (e.g. moving home).
**No charge for technician visits** related to unpaid bills.
**Reduced suspension procedure**: longer notice and stronger right to dialogue with the supplier.

These protections apply during the entire validity of the current cheque (12 months after issue).

Calendar 2026

**April-May 2026**: postal sending wave to eligible households (Metropolitan France).
**June 2026**: overseas territories (DROM).
**31 March 2027**: deadline to use the 2026 cheque.
A second campaign may target households missed by the automatic detection (see chequeenergie.gouv.fr for updates).

What if you should have received one and did not?

Households absent from the official list - typically because of recent moves or first-time tax filers - can request a check on the official portal. The form is open from July 2026 to October 2026 each year, requires the most recent tax notice, and the result is communicated within 2 to 4 weeks.

For combined support, see our pieces on the DPE energy-rating reform 2026, the MaPrimeRenov 2026 guide and how to manage what changes in March 2026.

Useful tools

**Simulator** on chequeenergie.gouv.fr - quick eligibility test.
**France Renov** france-renov.gouv.fr - combined advice on energy aids.
**ADEME advisers** - free guidance via the local Espace Conseil France Renov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to apply for the energy check?

No. The cheque energie is sent automatically based on your most recent income tax declaration. Only households absent from the list need to request a check on chequeenergie.gouv.fr.

What is the eligibility ceiling for 2026?

A revenu fiscal de reference per consumption unit (RFR/UC) at or below EUR 11,000, calculated from the 2025 tax declaration on 2024 income.

Until when is the 2026 cheque valid?

Until 31 March 2027 - after that date the cheque becomes void and cannot be used.

Can I pay any energy supplier with it?

Yes - every regulated, alternative, gas and electricity supplier in France is required to accept it, as are RGE professionals registered with Anah for renovation work.

Can I receive the cheque energie and MaPrimeRenov?

Yes. The cheque energie can be combined with MaPrimeRenov, CEE bonuses (certificats d'economies d'energie) and other Anah aids for the same renovation project.

What is pre-affectation?

On chequeenergie.gouv.fr you can attach your cheque to a specific supplier contract. The amount is then automatically deducted from each future bill until exhausted, with no need to send the physical cheque.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For your personal situation, please consult chequeenergie.gouv.fr or France Renov. Updated 28 May 2026.