Low-income workers will have one more month to apply for fuel compensation, announced Monday, February 13 the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, on RTL. They initially had until February 28 to submit their request and obtain aid of 100 euros, paid in one go to tax households located in the first five deciles of income.
But this targeted aid, which has a envelope of one billion euros and replaces since mid-January the rebate at the pump in force until the end of 2022, does not achieve all its objectives. Indeed, many eligible households – “almost half”according to the Minister of the Economy – have not yet completed the fuel allowance application form available on the website impots.gouv.fr.
As a reminder, the“fuel allowance” is reserved for households whose reference tax income is less than 14,700 euros in 2021, i.e. 1,314 euros net per month for a single person or 3,941 euros for a couple with two children. It is also necessary fulfill other conditions : having declared earned income in 2021 and using a vehicle for professional purposes.
Companies in the sector encouraged to make a move
Motorized two-wheelers and cars without a license are allowed, unlike electric scooters or company vehicles, for example. Thus, a working couple with low wages and using two different cars to get to work can benefit from two aids, ie 200 euros.
In addition, the government encourages companies in the sector to make a gesture vis-à-vis the prices charged. The Minister of Public Accounts, Gabriel Attal, said on France 2 that he wanted “companies that can, in particular Total if this is the case, can make a new gesture”.
While the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné, hinted in The Parisian last week that the company could for its part grant “targeted rebate actions at the pump” whether “a liter of diesel exceeds two euros”Bruno Le Maire declared that” he has[vait] makes promises and it is generally better that promises are kept”. As for the level of this rebate, “it will be up to him to decide”he added.