a much-awaited boost for low-income households

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With the cold setting in and bills climbing, many French people are struggling to pay their gas or electricity bills. This is the case of Maëlle Houel, mother and self-entrepreneur. “It’s not easy being a single mom. When winter approaches, you wonder what it’s going to be like”she confided, Tuesday October 28.

To help low-income households, an energy check is paid, aid of between 48 and 277 euros. For this retiree we met last April, it will be a welcome boost. “It’s because we’re waiting for it, it’s because we need it. I’m a little retiree”she said.

This year, the energy check is distributed seven months late, due to the late examination of the 2025 finance law. And this is not without consequences. “The energy mediator noted a 24% increase in unpaid debts between 2023 and 2024. He also speaks of a fairly worrying situation”explained Maxime Detony, Hello Watt financial director, on April 1. This aid will begin to be paid from Monday, November 3. Nearly 3.8 million beneficiaries are affected.