Energy Voucher (Chèque Énergie) 2026: Eligibility, Amounts & How to Use
Everything you need to know about this French government aid to help pay your energy bills: who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to use it.
1. What is the Energy Voucher?
The Chèque Énergie (Energy Voucher) is a French government aid program designed to help low-income households pay their energy bills or finance energy renovation work. Created by the 2015 Energy Transition Law, it replaced the former social tariffs for electricity (TPN) and gas (TSS) starting in 2018.
This aid is automatically granted each year without any application required, based on income declared to the tax administration. In 2024, approximately 5.6 million households benefited from it.
Good to know: The energy voucher is nominative and cannot be cashed at a bank. It can only be used for energy-related expenses.
2. Eligibility Conditions
Eligibility for the energy voucher is automatically determined by the tax administration based on two main criteria:
Reference Tax Income (RFR)
Your reference tax income must be below a threshold calculated in consumption units (UC). For 2026, the threshold is approximately €11,000 per UC.
Consumption Units (UC)
The UC calculation takes into account household composition:
- 1st person in household: 1 UC
- 2nd person: 0.5 UC
- Each additional person: 0.3 UC
Calculation Example
A couple with two children represents: 1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.3 = 2.1 UC
RFR threshold for this household: €11,000 × 2.1 = €23,100
Other Conditions
- Have filed a tax return with the French tax administration
- Reside in France (including overseas departments)
- Occupy housing subject to housing tax (even if exempt)
3. Amounts for 2026
The energy voucher amount varies based on your income and household composition. For 2026, amounts range from €48 to €277.
| RFR/UC | 1 UC | 1 to 2 UC | 2+ UC |
|---|---|---|---|
| < €5,700 | €194 | €240 | €277 |
| €5,700 to €6,800 | €146 | €176 | €202 |
| €6,800 to €7,850 | €98 | €113 | €126 |
| €7,850 to €11,000 | €48 | €63 | €76 |
* Indicative amounts subject to adjustment. Source: Ministry of Ecological Transition.
4. How to Use Your Voucher
The energy voucher can be used in several ways:
Pay Your Energy Bills
Methods of Use
- By mail: Attach your voucher to your bill and send it to your supplier
- Online: On the chequeenergie.gouv.fr website, you can use it directly or pre-assign it
- Automatic pre-assignment: Request that your voucher be automatically applied to your bills in future years
5. Timeline and Procedures
Automatic Attribution
No action is required to receive the energy voucher. It is sent automatically if you meet the eligibility conditions. Simply ensure that:
- You have filed your tax return (even if not taxable)
- Your postal address is up to date with the tax authorities
Mailing Schedule
Mailing period: April to May
Energy vouchers are sent between late March and late April depending on the department. If you haven't received yours by late May, contact the helpline.
Validity Period
The energy voucher is valid until March 31 of the following year. For example, a voucher issued in April 2026 can be used until March 31, 2027.
6. Additional Rights
Beyond the financial aid, energy voucher beneficiaries have additional rights:
Protection Against Disconnection
During the winter truce (November 1 to March 31), no electricity or gas disconnection can be made.
Free Connection
Electricity or gas connection is free for energy voucher beneficiaries.
Reduced Intervention Fees
In case of payment incidents, fees for site visits or disconnections are reduced.
Important: To benefit from these rights, you must certify your eligibility to your supplier. The certificate is attached to your energy voucher.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the French energy voucher?▼
The energy voucher is automatically granted to households whose reference tax income per consumption unit (RFR/UC) is below a threshold set each year. For 2026, this threshold is approximately €11,000 per UC.
What is the amount of the energy voucher?▼
The energy voucher amount ranges from €48 to €277 depending on income and household composition. The lower the income and the larger the household, the higher the amount.
How can I use the energy voucher?▼
The energy voucher can be used to pay electricity, gas, heating oil, wood or other fuel bills. It can also be used to finance energy renovation work. You can send it to your supplier or pre-assign it online.
Do I need to apply for the energy voucher?▼
No, the energy voucher is automatically granted based on your tax return. No action is required if you are eligible and have filed your tax return.
How long is the energy voucher valid?▼
The energy voucher is valid until March 31 of the following year. For example, a voucher received in April 2026 will be valid until March 31, 2027.
Official Sources
Related Articles
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is subject to change. For official and up-to-date information, visit chequeenergie.gouv.fr.