Energy Voucher France 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and How to Redeem
A practical guide to the cheque energie for low-income households and expats in France. Official 2026 amounts, who qualifies, when it arrives and how to use it with your electricity, gas or heating supplier.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Nominative aid granted automatically by the ASP to French tax residents with RFR < EUR11,000 per UC.
- 2. 2026 amount: minimum EUR48, maximum EUR277, based on income and household size.
- 3. Mailed between late March and late April across French departments.
- 4. Valid until 31 March 2027. Redeem online at chequeenergie.gouv.fr or by mail to your supplier.
- 5. Expats and foreign nationals living in France qualify if they meet the income test and have filed a tax return.
1. What is the cheque energie?
The cheque energie is a nominative financial aid that the French State sends each year to low-income households. It can pay for electricity, natural gas, heating oil, wood, LPG bills, or for energy renovation work performed by a certified professional (RGE label).
The scheme was created by the Energy Transition Law of 17 August 2015 (loi 2015-992) and replaced the older social tariffs for electricity (TPN) and gas (TSS) starting in 2018. It is codified in the French Energy Code, Articles L124-1 and following.
About 5.6 million French households received the voucher in 2024 according to the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Distribution is handled by the ASP (Agence de Services et de Paiement), a public agency under State supervision.
Good to know: The voucher is strictly nominative. It cannot be cashed at a bank or transferred to another person. Use only with an energy supplier or RGE-certified contractor.
2. Eligibility in 2026
Eligibility is calculated automatically by the French tax authority (DGFiP) from the income declared on your French tax return. No application is needed if you already file taxes in France.
Reference Tax Income (RFR) ceiling
The RFR appears on your French tax notice (avis d'imposition). To qualify in 2026, the RFR per consumption unit must be strictly below EUR11,000.
Consumption Units (UC) explained
UC reflect household composition:
- First household member: 1 UC
- Second member: 0.5 UC
- Each additional member: 0.3 UC
- Children in shared custody: half of the standard value
Calculation example
Couple with two dependent children: 1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.3 = 2.1 UC
Household income ceiling: EUR11,000 x 2.1 = EUR23,100
If the household RFR is below EUR23,100, the voucher will be granted.
Other cumulative conditions
- Filed a French tax return with the DGFiP (even if not taxable)
- Reside in metropolitan France or an overseas department
- Occupy housing subject to taxe d'habitation, even if exempt
Official source: Service-Public.fr fact sheet F33667 (Cheque energie).
3. Expats and foreign residents in France
The energy voucher is based on French tax residency, not nationality. Any expat or third-country national who files a French tax return and meets the RFR ceiling qualifies on equal footing with French citizens.
Key points for expats:
- File a French tax return. Even with low or zero French income, you must declare to be assigned a numero fiscal and to be counted by the DGFiP. Without this, the ASP cannot mail you a voucher.
- Update your address. Notify the tax authority of any change of address via your personal space on impots.gouv.fr before the calculation window (typically January to February).
- Watch for joint-tax situations. If your spouse files abroad, only the French-side RFR/UC is used. Speak to a tax adviser if your case is unusual.
- Language tip. The chequeenergie.gouv.fr website is French only. For English explanation, our team also publishes guides on French energy bill assistance and the regulated electricity tariff (TRV).
4. Exact 2026 amounts
The amount depends on two variables: RFR/UC and the number of consumption units. The table below reproduces the official scale from Service-Public fact sheet F33667.
| RFR/UC | 1 UC | 1 to 2 UC | 2+ UC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below EUR5,700 | EUR194 | EUR240 | EUR277 |
| EUR5,700 to EUR6,800 | EUR146 | EUR176 | EUR202 |
| EUR6,800 to EUR7,850 | EUR98 | EUR113 | EUR126 |
| EUR7,850 to EUR11,000 | EUR48 | EUR63 | EUR76 |
Source: Service-Public.fr fact sheet F33667 (scale confirmed for 2026 voucher, valid until 31 March 2027).
Note: One voucher per household. The lower the RFR and the larger the household, the higher the amount. Maximum tops out at EUR277 for households of 2+ UC with RFR below EUR5,700/UC.
5. ASP mailing calendar
The ASP mails vouchers nationwide between late March and late April 2026, in waves organised by department.
Mailing window: late March to late April 2026
If your envelope has not arrived by late May, call 0 805 204 805 (free service and call) or open a claim on chequeenergie.gouv.fr.
Validity period
The 2026 voucher is valid until 31 March 2027. After that date it cannot be cashed by your supplier. Pre-allocation online prevents missed deadlines.
Practical tip: Keep both envelope and voucher in a visible place. Activating pre-allocation on chequeenergie.gouv.fr triggers automatic deduction on your next bill with the same supplier, removing any risk of forgetting.
6. How to redeem your voucher
Three usage paths exist: paying an energy bill, financing renovation work with an RGE-certified contractor, or pre-allocating to the same supplier each year.
Eligible energy types
Three usage methods
- Online at chequeenergie.gouv.fr: enter the 19-digit number and the 6-digit key. The amount is credited directly to your supplier account. Fastest and most reliable method.
- By postal mail: attach the original paper voucher to your latest bill and mail it to your energy supplier. Keep a copy before sending.
- Automatic pre-allocation: activate this option on your beneficiary account. The voucher will be applied each year at the same address, without any new step.
To compare suppliers and find the best tariff, see our guides: how to change electricity provider and EDF regulated tariff 2026.
7. Associated rights
The attestation attached to the voucher unlocks several protections beyond the financial aid. Forward it to your supplier to activate them.
Protection during the winter truce
From 1 November to 31 March, no electricity or gas disconnection can be carried out at beneficiaries' homes, even in case of unpaid bills (French Energy Code, Article L115-3).
Free connection
Free activation of electricity or gas when moving home or switching supplier. Technician travel by Enedis or GRDF is also covered.
Reduced intervention fees
In case of payment incidents leading to a site visit or power reduction, fees are reduced. Late-payment notice fees are also capped.
Important: To activate these rights, attach the attestation to any correspondence with your supplier, ideally by registered mail. See also French energy bill assistance and off-peak vs peak hours.
8. Common problems and claims
You did not receive the voucher
If nothing arrives by late May and you were a beneficiary last year, first check eligibility on the official simulator at chequeenergie.gouv.fr (section "Am I a beneficiary?"). You will need your tax number and the reference of your tax notice.
If you are eligible but the voucher was not sent, use the form "I have not received my voucher". The ASP will re-issue it within a few weeks at the updated address.
You moved after 1 January
The voucher is sent to the tax address on file at the time of calculation. Update your address on impots.gouv.fr as early as possible. If the envelope is returned to the ASP, request re-mailing online.
You lost the voucher
A lost voucher can be re-issued. Log into your beneficiary account on chequeenergie.gouv.fr and use the duplicate request, or call 0 805 204 805.
Your supplier refuses the voucher
Every approved energy supplier is required to accept the voucher. In case of unjustified refusal, file a complaint on chequeenergie.gouv.fr or contact the National Energy Mediator (energie-mediateur.fr).
9. Alternatives if you do not qualify
The EUR11,000/UC threshold excludes a share of modest-income households. Other aids may take over:
- FSL (Fonds de Solidarite pour le Logement): departmental aid for unpaid energy bills. Request via the Conseil departemental or CCAS.
- MaPrimeRenov: Anah lump-sum grant for energy renovation. See our MaPrimeRenov guide.
- Energy Saving Certificates (CEE): bonuses paid by suppliers for insulation, heat pumps or efficient heating work.
- Eco-PTZ (zero-rate eco-loan): up to EUR50,000 interest-free for renovation work.
- Cut consumption: if no aid applies, switching to a cheaper tariff or trimming usage remains the strongest lever. Read how to reduce energy consumption, thermal insulation in France and heat pumps in France.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the French energy voucher in 2026?▼
Any household with RFR per UC below EUR11,000 that has filed a French tax return. French and foreign nationals residing in France qualify on equal footing.
What are the exact 2026 voucher amounts?▼
From EUR48 to EUR277. A single person with RFR below EUR5,700/UC receives EUR194. A household of 2+ UC in the same bracket receives EUR277 (source: Service-Public F33667).
Can expats and foreign residents receive the voucher?▼
Yes. Eligibility hinges on French tax residency and income, not on nationality. Expats and third-country nationals who file a French tax return and meet the RFR ceiling qualify.
How are consumption units (UC) calculated?▼
First member: 1 UC. Second: 0.5 UC. Each additional member: 0.3 UC. Children in shared custody count for half. A couple with two children equals 2.1 UC.
When will I receive my 2026 voucher?▼
Between late March and late April 2026 depending on department. If nothing arrives by late May, call 0 805 204 805 (free service and call).
How long is the 2026 voucher valid?▼
Until 31 March 2027. After that date it cannot be cashed. Pre-allocate online to avoid missing the deadline.
Which energies can the voucher pay for?▼
Electricity, gas, heating oil, wood (logs, pellets, chips), LPG (propane, butane), collective heating charges and energy renovation work performed by an RGE-certified professional.
I am eligible but did not receive my voucher. What now?▼
File a claim on chequeenergie.gouv.fr using the "I have not received my voucher" form. The ASP will re-issue it within a few weeks.
Can the voucher be combined with MaPrimeRenov?▼
Yes. For renovation work by an RGE-certified contractor, the voucher stacks with MaPrimeRenov, the eco-PTZ and Energy Saving Certificates (CEE).
What if I change supplier mid-year?▼
The voucher remains usable. Mail it to the new supplier with the first bill, or update the pre-allocation on chequeenergie.gouv.fr with the new contract number.
How many households receive the voucher each year?▼
Around 5.6 million French households in 2024 according to the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The scheme is funded by the French State budget.
What additional rights does the voucher unlock?▼
Winter truce protection (1 November to 31 March), free connection of electricity or gas, and reduced intervention fees in case of payment incidents.
Official Sources
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for guidance. For the official version and any regulatory update, consult chequeenergie.gouv.fr and Service-Public fact sheet F33667.