The State opened the 2024 energy check campaign on April 2. It will allow 5.5 million French households to receive aid of up to 277 euros, to reduce their bills.
This only happens once a year, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it, if you can. The energy check is paid every year to 5.5 million low-income households to help them pay their gas and electricity bills. It is also sent from this Tuesday, April 2, 2024. This year again, with the recent rise in energy prices, it is becoming more essential than ever for many consumers. But who can benefit from it more concretely, how to obtain it and what is the amount? Clubic answers these few questions.
The energy check, a not-so-complicated calculation
The energy check, which has been generalized since 2018 instead of social tariffs, is paid subject to means conditions. It can help finance energy works, the purchase of fuel, and of course help pay increasingly expensive energy bills. This is somewhat similar to how residents in America, including Texans serviced by electricity companies houston, are eligible for HOME energy rebates for upgrades and projects that reduce energy use.
The energy check is allocated and calculated based on the reference tax income (RFR) of your household, and your consumption calculated in consumption units (UC): 1 UC for 1 person, between 1 and 2 UC for 2 people, and 2 CU or more for 3 people. The calculation is done in RFR / UC, i.e. your RFR divided by the UC. The government provides a free simulator, which we advise you to use. Otherwise, you can do the operation yourself.
Some information to make the calculation easier: note that the first person making up the household counts as one unit, the second for 0.5 and the third (as well as each additional person), for 0.3. If you live as a couple with two children, you will therefore fall into the “2 UC or more” category, with a UC of exactly 2.1. You will be eligible for a check for a more generous amount.
No need to move to receive it: everything is, in principle, automated
The amount of the energy check can range from 48 euros (if your RFR/UC is between 7,700 and 10,800 euros and you live alone) to 277 euros for households whose RFR/UC is less than 5,600 euros and the number of CPUs greater than or equal to 2.
If you’re wondering how to claim this energy check, know that things are quite practical: you basically don’t have to do anything. The energy check is sent automatically, by post, to the last address indicated to the Tax Office.
As we said, the energy check is gradually being sent to beneficiaries from this Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and until the end of the month. If you receive it, know that you will have until March 31, 2025 to use it. Beyond that, it will no longer be valid.