Overview
- Distribution began on 3 November with mailings scheduled through late November, targeting about 3.8 million low‑income households.
- Eligibility is based on 2023 reference tax income per consumption unit at or below €11,000, with attribution tied to the dwelling’s electricity Point de Livraison and the contract holder’s fiscal data.
- If a cheque does not arrive, a claim can be filed online or by mail until 28 February 2026 using a fiscal number and an electricity‑contract attestation dated within three months; a user helpline is available.
- Amounts range from €48 to €277 with an average of €150, usable for energy bills and certain heating charges, and no longer for new renovation work, though older ‘chèques travaux’ remain valid until expiry.
- Cnafal and FNCCR say draft 2026 budget texts could cut beneficiaries by around 30% and call for a revaluation as the planned €650 million envelope is seen as insufficient, while cybersecurity experts warn of phishing messages seeking banking details.