The chèque énergie is a government voucher worth between €48 and €277, sent automatically to lower-income households every spring. No application needed if you're already in the system — but many people who qualify don't know it exists.
If you are familiar with the UK's "Warm Home Discount", the chèque énergie works on a similar principle — an annual government payment to help lower-income households with energy costs. The French version is worth up to €277 and for most people arrives automatically with no paperwork required.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility depends on your household reference income (RFR — the figure on the front of your Avis d'Impôt) divided by the number of consumption units in your household. For a full explanation of how the RFR is calculated, see our RFR guide.
Consumption units (UC) are calculated as follows:
- First adult: 1 UC
- Second adult or person: 0.5 UC
- Each dependent child: 0.3 UC
Divide your RFR by your total UC figure. If the result is below €11,000, you qualify.
In practice — the income thresholds:
| Household composition | UC | Maximum RFR to qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | 1.0 | ≤ €11,000 |
| Couple, no children | 1.5 | ≤ €16,500 |
| Couple, one child | 1.8 | ≤ €19,800 |
| Couple, two children | 2.1 | ≤ €23,100 |
Nationality is not a barrier. The chèque énergie is available to all households residing in France who file a French tax return. The only requirement is that your RFR per consumption unit is below the threshold.
How Much Is It Worth?
The amount varies between €48 and €277 depending on your RFR per UC and your household composition. The lower your income, the higher the voucher.
2026 amounts — examples:
| Situation | RFR per UC | Voucher amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single person, very low income | ≤ €5,700 | €194 |
| Single person, modest income | €5,701–€7,850 | €146 |
| Single person, lower-middle income | €7,851–€11,000 | €48 |
| Couple, no children, RFR €15,000 | €10,000 | €63 |
| Couple, one child, RFR €18,000 | €10,000 | €76 |
Amounts have been unchanged since 2024 and are the same for 2026.
How It Arrives — and What to Do If It Doesn't
For most eligible households, the chèque énergie arrives automatically by post in April each year. The tax authority identifies eligible households from your previous year's tax return — you do not need to apply.
The 2026 cheques were sent from 1 April 2026.
If you qualify but haven't received one:
This can happen if you moved to France recently, if your income dropped below the threshold for the first time, or if you weren't identified in the automatic batch. In these cases you can claim online:
- Go to chequeenergie.gouv.fr
- Click "Faire une demande" (Make a request)
- Enter your numéro fiscal and the reference number from your most recent Avis d'Impôt
- The deadline for 2026 claims is 31 December 2026
New to France? If you have only recently filed your first French tax return, you may not appear in the automatic batch yet. Apply online using the form above — you will need your numéro fiscal and Avis d'Impôt reference number.
What You Can Use It For
The chèque énergie can be used to pay:
- Electricity bills — pay your supplier directly online or by post
- Gas bills — same process
- Heating oil, wood, or other fuel — pay your fuel supplier
- Energy renovation work — certain qualifying works under MaPrimeRénov can be part-funded using the chèque énergie, reducing your out-of-pocket cost further
How to use it:
- Online: most major energy suppliers (EDF, Engie, Total Energies) accept the chèque énergie online — log into your account and enter the voucher code
- By post: send the physical cheque to your supplier
- For fuel deliveries: present or post the cheque to your fuel supplier with your order
The cheque has a validity date printed on it — typically around a year from issue. Check the date and use it before it expires.
Combining With MaPrimeRénov
If you are also eligible for MaPrimeRénov renovation grants, the chèque énergie can be used alongside it to reduce your share of renovation costs. For lower-income households already receiving a high MaPrimeRénov grant, the chèque énergie can cover part of the remaining balance.
See our guide to French property renovation grants for the full picture on MaPrimeRénov eligibility and how to apply.
Common Mistakes
-
Assuming you don't qualify because you own your home. The chèque énergie is available to both homeowners and tenants — what matters is your income, not whether you own or rent.
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Not claiming if you didn't receive one automatically. The automatic batch doesn't catch everyone. If your income is below the threshold and you haven't received a cheque, apply online before 31 December 2026.
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Letting it expire. The cheque has a validity date on it. Check it when it arrives and use it before it expires — unused cheques cannot be replaced.
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Not knowing you can use it for renovation work. Many people assume it can only be used for bills. It can also be put towards qualifying energy renovation work.
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Assuming nationality is a barrier. It isn't. All households in France who file a French tax return and meet the income threshold qualify — regardless of nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify?
Take your RFR from your most recent Avis d'Impôt and divide it by your consumption units (1 for a single person, 1.5 for a couple, add 0.3 for each dependent child). If the result is below €11,000, you qualify. You can also check using the simulator at chequeenergie.gouv.fr. Not sure what your RFR is? Taxpert can help.
Do I need to apply for the chèque énergie?
For most eligible households, no — it arrives automatically by post in April based on your previous year's tax return. If you qualify but haven't received one, apply online at chequeenergie.gouv.fr before 31 December 2026.
Can UK expats receive the chèque énergie?
Yes. Nationality is not a factor. Any household residing in France that files a French tax return and has an RFR per consumption unit below €11,000 is eligible.
What RFR is used to determine eligibility in 2026?
Your 2024 RFR — the figure on your 2025 Avis d'Impôt (the notice you received in autumn 2025).
Can I use the chèque énergie for renovation work?
Yes — it can be used towards qualifying energy renovation work, including work funded under MaPrimeRénov. This reduces your share of the renovation cost further.
I received the cheque but my energy supplier is abroad — can I still use it?
The chèque énergie is designed for French energy suppliers and French renovation contractors. If your energy account is with a UK supplier (for a UK property, for example), it cannot be used for that bill. It applies only to your French energy costs.
Official resources:
- Check eligibility and claim: chequeenergie.gouv.fr
- Government helpline: 0 805 204 805 (free call)