Since April 1, 2026, millions of French people have been receiving their annual energy voucher by post or by email. This government benefit, aimed at low-income households, has undergone several important changes this year. Who is eligible? What is the amount? How to use it? Here is everything you need to know.

What Is the Energy Voucher?

The energy voucher is a public benefit paid annually by the government to households whose income is below a certain threshold. Its purpose is to help low-income households pay their heating and electricity bills, regardless of their heating method or energy supplier.

Contrary to some misconceptions, this voucher is not reserved for tenants or homeowners: it applies equally to people who heat their home with gas, electricity, fuel oil, or wood. The essential requirement is that the expense is related to the energy of your primary residence.

Who Is Eligible for the Energy Voucher in 2026?

In 2026, the eligibility criteria are based on the household's reference tax income (RTI) for the year 2024, divided by the number of consumption units in the tax household. The threshold retained is 11,000 euros per consumption unit.

Concretely, this represents:

• 3.8 million households that receive their voucher automatically from April 1, 2026
• 700,000 additional households that will receive it from May 1, 2026, thanks to an improvement in data cross-referencing methodology between government departments
• In total, nearly 4.5 million French households benefit from this aid in 2026

If you think you are eligible but have not yet received your voucher, do not worry: you have until December 31, 2026 to apply via the official website chequeenergie.gouv.fr.

What Is the Amount of the Energy Voucher in 2026?

The amount varies according to income and household composition. In 2026, it ranges from 48 euros to 277 euros, with an average value of 153 euros. The lower your income and the larger your household, the higher the amount.

To give a concrete idea:

• A single person with a very low RTI can receive up to 194 euros
• A couple with two children on modest incomes can receive up to 277 euros
• A household slightly above the lowest threshold may receive a voucher of 48 euros

These amounts are set by decree and take into account the rise in energy prices recorded in recent years in France and Europe.

What Are the New Features in 2026?

The 2026 edition of the energy voucher brings several notable changes compared to previous years.

A Digital Format Now Available

Until now, the energy voucher was systematically sent in paper format. In 2026, a digital version is also available. Recipients can thus receive their benefit directly by email or SMS and use it in a dematerialized way with certain suppliers. This development greatly simplifies the process, especially for people comfortable with digital tools.

700,000 Additional Households Covered

The cross-referencing of data between government agencies (General Directorate of Public Finances, Payments Services Agency) has been improved, making it possible to identify around 700,000 additional eligible households that were not previously detected. These households will receive their voucher from May 1.

End of Use for Renovation Work

Since the 2025 Finance Act, it is no longer possible to use the energy voucher to pay for energy renovation works. This option, known as the "renovation voucher," has been removed. Only vouchers already issued before this law came into force (February 15, 2025) can still be used for works until their expiry date. To finance works, other schemes such as MaPrimeRénov' remain available.

How to Use Your Energy Voucher?

The use of the energy voucher is simple but regulated. It can be used to pay:

• Electricity, gas, fuel oil, wood, or any other fuel bills related to your home
• Heating charges in certain establishments (residential housing, nursing homes, independent living residences, social residences)
• Rental charges including energy if you live in social housing (by handing the voucher to your landlord)

To use it, simply send the voucher directly to your energy supplier (by post or online depending on their procedures), or hand it to your landlord if your situation calls for it.

Haven't Received Your Voucher? What to Do?

If you think you are eligible and have received nothing before the end of May 2026, you have several options:

• Check your eligibility directly on chequeenergie.gouv.fr
• Check your post, emails, or SMS: a notification may have been sent to inform you of the steps to take
• Make an online application before December 31, 2026 if you find that you meet the criteria but have not automatically received anything

It is important not to miss this deadline: after this date, it will no longer be possible to claim the energy voucher for the year 2026, even if you are eligible.

In Summary

The 2026 energy voucher represents concrete and accessible aid for millions of French households. This year, two major innovations improve the scheme: the introduction of the digital format and the extension to 4.5 million beneficiaries. If you are in a difficult financial situation and your income is modest, do not overlook this benefit: between 48 and 277 euros can make a real difference to your annual energy budget.