The energy voucher is a vital financial aid program launched by the French government to assist low-income households with energy expenses, combating energy poverty. It covers electricity, gas, and other heating costs, including those in certain residential facilities. Starting in 2025, eligibility will require an active application process, with specific income and household criteria. The voucher amounts range from 48 to 277 euros, and recipients can use it for energy bills or renovation projects. The program aims to ensure accessible energy for vulnerable populations.
Understanding the Energy Voucher
A Financial Support for Energy Expenses
The energy voucher is a crucial financial assistance program initiated by the French government, designed to support low-income households in managing their energy costs. Its primary goal is to alleviate energy poverty by ensuring that essential services, such as heating, electricity, and gas, remain accessible to those in need.
Eligible Energy Expenses
Overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry, the energy voucher enables recipients to contribute towards their electricity or gas bills. Additionally, it can be utilized to cover expenses related to other heating sources, including domestic fuel, wood, electricity, and LPG.
This voucher can also help pay for heating costs included in the rent for individuals residing in youth worker hostels, migrant worker hostels, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, independent living residences, or long-term care units. Notably, since 2020, nursing home residents have also been eligible to benefit from this assistance.
Supporting Energy Renovation Projects
Another beneficial application of the energy voucher is its use in financing energy renovation projects, provided that the work is performed by a certified “RGE” (Recognized Environmental Guarantee) professional. The France-renov website offers a comprehensive list of certified craftsmen to assist you.
Determining Your Eligibility for the Energy Voucher in 2024
Utilize the Eligibility Simulator
Testing Without Your Tax Number
If the result indicates ineligibility, but you believe you meet the criteria, you can still test the simulator without providing your tax number or reach out to User Assistance at 0 805 204 805 for further guidance.
Who Qualifies for the Energy Voucher?
In 2025, the energy voucher system in France will undergo significant changes aimed at improving its distribution and ensuring it effectively reaches households experiencing energy poverty.
Resource-Based Eligibility Criteria
The energy voucher is subject to a resource ceiling, which is determined through a complex calculation based on the “reference tax income per consumption unit.” The reference tax income (RFR) can be found on your tax notice, while the consumption units (UC) are calculated based on the size of your household.
Household Composition Requirements
In terms of household composition, the first individual counts as one unit (UC), the second as 0.5, and each additional person as 0.3. To qualify, a single person must demonstrate a reference tax income of less than 11,000 euros in 2025.
Utilizing the Delivery Point Number (PDL)
Starting in 2025, the Delivery Point Number (PDL) will be instrumental in associating an electricity contract with a specific dwelling, ensuring that only one energy voucher is allocated per household to prevent duplication. The PDL serves as a unique identifier for each electricity meter and is essential for accurately locating and associating a meter with a particular residence.
Income Ceiling for Energy Voucher Eligibility
The energy voucher is designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. The amount of aid received is contingent upon the reference tax income (RFR) and the composition of the household.
Below is the scale for the energy voucher effective December 2024, based on consumption units and income levels:
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Amount of the Energy Voucher
The energy voucher amount ranges from 48 to 277 euros, with the average support being around 150 euros per household. While this assistance is valuable, it is primarily intended as a supplementary aid. The amounts for the energy voucher will remain unchanged in 2025.
How to Apply for the Energy Voucher
Up until 2024, eligible households automatically received the energy voucher, provided they met the income criteria and completed their tax returns, which allowed the administration to determine eligibility.
Active Application Process for New Recipients in 2025
Beginning in 2025, newly eligible households will need to actively apply for the energy voucher through a dedicated online platform. Applicants must furnish details such as their tax number, identification document, and an energy bill in their name.
For individuals without Internet access, applications can be submitted via a contact form or user assistance, with supporting documents sent by mail.
Existing Recipients in 2025
Households that were already receiving the energy voucher before 2025 will continue to automatically benefit from the program, assuming their financial and family circumstances remain stable. As in 2024, vouchers will be mailed to the last registered address with tax authorities.
If your reference tax income surpasses the eligibility threshold or if there are changes in your family composition, you must report these changes. An eligibility update can be made through your tax return.
Claims for Non-Receipt of the 2024 Energy Voucher
If you did not receive the 2024 energy voucher but believe you qualify, you can submit a claim at the energy voucher counter. This process is available until December 31, 2024, through the official website or via free phone assistance at 0 805 204 805.
Timeline for Energy Voucher Distribution in 2024
Distribution Schedule
In 2024, the distribution of energy vouchers occurred automatically between April 2 and April 25. If you have not received your voucher and believe you are eligible, a specific portal has been established to request it until December 31, 2024.
Validity of the Voucher
Ultimately, 5.6 million individuals in France will benefit from this assistance. The delivery process may take between two to four days. Once issued, the voucher remains valid for one year, with the expiration date indicated on the voucher. Therefore, the 2024 energy voucher will remain valid until March 31, 2025.
Should you wish to use the voucher to reduce your gas or electricity bills, you can automate the procedure to simplify the process.
Using Your Energy Voucher
It’s important to note that the administration will never request your bank details for sending the energy voucher. Be cautious of any such requests, as they should be disregarded.
Payment to Energy Providers
To utilize the energy voucher for payment, you