On August 28, 2025, a significant new support measure for vulnerable Romanians quietly rolled out across the country. Poșta Română, the national postal service, opened the doors of its more than 5,000 branches to help those struggling with energy costs, allowing them to submit printed applications for monthly energy vouchers. This initiative, designed to ease the burden of electricity bills for low-income individuals and families, comes at a crucial time for many households facing rising living costs and energy insecurity.
According to HotNews, the energy voucher program offers eligible recipients a monthly benefit of 50 lei, which can be used exclusively to pay electricity bills. The vouchers are valid through March 31, 2026, giving recipients a reliable source of support for at least seven months. The program specifically targets Romania’s most vulnerable groups: single individuals with a net monthly income of up to 1,940 lei and families with a net monthly income per member not exceeding 1,784 lei. Importantly, those already registered for the minimum inclusion income are automatically enrolled and do not need to submit an application, streamlining access for the poorest households.
The application process itself is designed for simplicity and inclusivity, reflecting Poșta Română’s commitment to serving all corners of the country. Applications can be submitted starting August 28, 2025, and only need to be filed once. For those hoping to cover electricity bills from July and August 2025, the deadline to submit is September 27, 2025. As stated by Europa FM, any applications submitted in the EPIDS system by August 31, 2025, and deemed eligible, will have the voucher credited with the amounts for both July and August. These funds become available for use after September 23, 2025, but only for bills issued after July 1, 2025.
There are, of course, some nuances to the timeline. Applications submitted between September 28 and September 30, 2025, will only qualify for support starting in September, with the voucher funds loaded in October. For those who apply from October onward, the support begins in the month the application is filed. The careful structuring of these deadlines ensures that the most vulnerable receive timely support, while also maintaining administrative clarity for the postal service and government agencies involved.
One of the most notable aspects of the program is its accessibility. As reported by România TV and other sources, Poșta Română’s vast network of branches means that even citizens in remote or hard-to-reach areas, or those without internet access, can participate. For people unable to bring a printed and completed application, the postal service offers hands-on help: staff will provide the necessary forms and even register the application in the EPIDS system on their behalf. This approach is particularly important in a country where digital divides and geographic barriers can often prevent the most vulnerable from accessing state support.
Valentin Ștefan, Director General of Poșta Română, emphasized this mission of accessibility and support in a public statement highlighted by Digi24: “Poșta Română remains the state’s solution in difficult times, always close to the people, offering them simple and safe solutions. Through our national network, we ensure that every citizen who needs this support can benefit from it, regardless of internet access or where they live.”
For those unfamiliar with the process, here’s how it works: applications are submitted once, and the energy voucher can be used only at post offices, based on the electricity bill and its annexes. The voucher is valid for a single consumption location, even if the applicant is not the contract holder with the energy provider. This means that renters or those living in shared households are not excluded, as long as they meet the income criteria. However, if the applicant’s address or family composition changes, a new application must be filed to update the records and ensure continued eligibility.
The administration of the program relies on the EPIDS application, which, according to the official press release from Compania Națională “Poșta Română,” is being developed and technically managed by the Special Telecommunications Service (STS). Citizens can submit their requests online via EPIDS, at the post office, or even at their local town hall, further expanding the range of access points for the program.
To prevent confusion, authorities have set out clear rules for when and how the vouchers can be used. For example, only electricity bills (not gas or other utilities) are eligible, and payment can only be made at post office counters. If a beneficiary moves or their household makeup changes—say, through marriage, divorce, or the arrival of a new child—a new application is required. This ensures that the support is always matched to the correct household and address.
While the 50 lei monthly voucher may not seem like a game-changer to some, for many families and individuals living on the edge, it represents a crucial lifeline. By targeting the support to those with the lowest incomes and by making the application process as straightforward as possible, the program aims to reduce both energy poverty and bureaucratic frustration. The automatic enrollment of those receiving the minimum inclusion income is a particularly thoughtful touch, removing potential administrative hurdles for those least able to navigate complex paperwork.
Of course, there are limitations. The vouchers are only valid for one consumption location, so families with multiple homes or those who split time between different residences won’t be able to benefit at multiple addresses. Additionally, the support is exclusive to electricity bills; other forms of energy, such as heating or gas, are not covered by this particular program. Nonetheless, the focus on electricity addresses a pressing need, as power bills have become a significant source of anxiety for many in recent years.
In the broader context, this initiative is part of a wider effort by the Romanian government to shield its most vulnerable citizens from the shocks of inflation and fluctuating energy prices. By leveraging Poșta Română’s extensive infrastructure, the state is not only providing financial support but also reinforcing the role of public institutions in social safety nets. The program’s careful design—balancing eligibility, accessibility, and administrative efficiency—could serve as a model for similar efforts in other countries facing comparable challenges.
As the deadline for initial applications approaches, the hope is that everyone who needs help will find it—whether in a bustling city post office or a quiet rural branch. For now, the message from Poșta Română is clear: no matter where you live or how you connect, help is within reach.
