MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued a warning to millions of Universal Credit households missing out on water bill help.
The average bill rose by £71 a year earlier this month in another blow to households finances – but there are ways to save.
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In the latest MSE newsletter, the team revealed households on Universal Credit could cut their water bills by up to £160 a year through social tariffs.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce bills if you’re on a low income.
Who’s eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company.
Customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company,may be able to get a 50% discount if their bill is more than 5% of their net income.
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You can apply on the phone by calling 0800 980 8800 or by completing on online assessment.
If you’re successful, the discount will be applied from the date the application was made.
Customers of Severn Trent can access its Big Difference Scheme that can take up to 70% off the average customer bill.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £22,010.
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Yorkshire Water offers a social tariff to households with an income below £19,000 and a water bill of more than £364 a year.
Portsmouth Water’s social tariff is for households with incomes below £21,000, excluding the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- Mortgage Interest Relief
- Attendance Allowance
- Housing / Council Tax Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
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If your application is successful, then your water bill will be capped at a minimum charge of £91.12.
To find out what’s on offer from your water company, visit their website.
You can find out who your local water supplier is by using the tool on the WaterUK website and entering your postcode.
Universal Credit
Here’s everything to know about Universal Credit:
What water bill support is available?
Over two million households who qualify to be on discounted social water tariffs aren’t claiming the savings provided, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
Only 1.3million households are currently issued with a social water tariff – up 19% from the previous year.
And the average household qualifying for the discounted water rates can slash their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income and the CCW is calling on customers to take advantage before bills rise in April.
Who’s eligible for help and the level of support offered varies depending on your water company.
For example, customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company, may be able to get a 50% discount on bills if their total household income is below £17,005, or below £21,749 in London boroughs.
You could also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
Customers of Severn Trent can access its Big Difference Scheme that can take up to 70% off the average customer bill.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £20,048.
Most suppliers also have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs – and you don’t have to pay it back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds offering a vital lifeline when faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Thames Water has given out £500,000 worth of grants and helped nearly 4,000 households buy essential appliances including fridge freezers and washing machines.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances.
Residents in East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund which offers help to those going through extreme circumstances.
For instance, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, lose a spouse, or are a victim of domestic abuse.
Aside from grants, water companies provide other ways of helping with bills.
Many billpayers across the country could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
Companies match the payments eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
If you’re on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
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Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £307 on average through the scheme.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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