What changes in France this August for your budget?
Energy bills change for millions, savings accounts see new interest rates, and back-to-school grant paid out
August brings a raft of budgetary changes in France, covering a range of activities and costs.
Below, we cover the main changes affecting household budgets.
Changes to electricity and gas bills
Around 19 million regulated electricity bills will increase by 2.5% – an average of €26 per year – following an increase to network usage charges.
Increases are automatic and came into effect from August 1.
In turn however, the benchmark gas sales price set by the Commission de régulation de l'énergie decreased by 0.8%, a drop of €1.32 per month for the average bill.
Gas companies usually set contracts with variable prices close to this benchmark, so many contracts will see a slight change. Fixed gas bills will remain unchanged, however.
Savings account interest increase
Interest accrued on certain government-regulated and tax-free savings accounts changed on August 1.
The Livret A and Livret de développement durable et solidaire (LDDS) saw rates increase from 1.5% to 1.7% on August 1.
However, the low-income Livret d’Épargne Populaire (LEP) remains unchanged at 2.5%
The LEP is currently reserved for people with an income of €23,028 or below on their 2025 tax notice – relating to 2024’s earnings – or €35,326 for a couple..
The LEP’s interest figure is above where calculations would otherwise place it, says the Banque de France (following low inflation in recent years) but has been kept high as a way to boost household purchasing power.
The recalculation comes following an increase in inflation in recent months, and should help add a few extra euros to interest paid out at the end of the year.
Read more about the new rates here.
Fuel aid scheme extended
A €100 fuel aid scheme for drivers previously set to end on July 31 has been extended for another month. The scheme is now available until August 31 for those yet to apply..
Aimed at those who use their vehicle for work (either commuting or in a professional capacity), the eligibility criteria have not changed.
Prepare for property tax bills
Notices (avis) for France’s taxe foncière or main property tax will begin arriving this month.
Payments are due by October 15 (for those less than €300 being paid through cash, cheque, or bank transfer), or October 20 for bills over €300 being paid through direct debit or the French tax website or app.
It is too late to set up monthly payments for the 2026 tax, but this can be organised for future iterations.
A national increase of 0.8% will be applied to bills, but final amounts vary as local authorities apply their own rates to the tax. This can see bills further increase, or in rare cases, decrease.
Read our in-depth overview here.
Note that the ability to update this spring’s income tax declaration is also now available online through your personal space on the tax website, or by sending a letter to your local tax office. Read our article here for more information.
Back-to-school grants
Around three million families with children aged six to 18 are eligible for the back-to-school allowance (Allocation de rentrée scolaire, ARS). It helps lower-income households cover school costs.
This year it will be paid on Tuesday, August 18 for departments in mainland France and Corsica.
The per-child grant has been increased and is now:
Ages 6-10: €426.87
Ages 11-14: €450.41
Ages 15-18: €466.02
To benefit, household income must have been below a certain threshold in 2024 as listed on 2025 tax notice (avis) statements.
These rates are:
One child: €28,956 or below
Two children: €35,638 or below
Three children: €42,320 or below
Existing recipients do not need to take any action and will see the benefit paid automatically. New applicants can register via an account at caf.fr to apply.
Note that for age 16 and above, the payment is not automatic but only available if you declare to the CAF that your child is still in full-time education or taking part in an apprenticeship.
August is also the month for several non-financial important dates - see our article here.
